Epilepsy drugs

Question 1

phenytoin

Answer 1

blocks Na channels

does not work in absence seizures
common drug interactions
confusion, gum hyperplasia, skin rashes, anaemia, teratogenesis

also anti dysrhythmic

Question 2

carbamazepine

Answer 2

blocks Na channels

derivative of TCA
trigeminal neuralgia
partial seizures

many drug interactions
sedation, ataxia, water disturbances

Question 3

oxcarbazepine

Answer 3

blocks Na channels
affects K+ channels

monotherapy or add on in partial seizures
sedating but less toxic than carbamazapine

Question 4

zonisamide

Answer 4

blocks Na channels
and T type calcium channels
anorexia and somnolence

Question 5

lamotrigine

Answer 5

blocks Na channels
broad therapeutic profile
skin rashes

Question 6

common currently used drugs

Answer 6

lamotrigine
sodium valproate
carbamazepine 
oxcarbazepine 
levetiracetam 
topiramate

Question 7

older less commonly drugs

Answer 7

phenytoin 
ethosuxamide
phenobarbitone
vigabatrin 
tiagabine

Question 8

sodium valproate

Answer 8

Increases GABA
some effects on sodium channels

hair loss, teratogenicity, liver damage but relatively safe

Question 9

levetiracetam

Answer 9

inhibits presynaptic Ca
partial and generalized seizures
psychiatric effects

Question 10

topiramate

Answer 10

complex actions
teratogenesis
slow titration needed

Question 11

tigabine

Answer 11

GABA uptake inhibitbor
dizziness and confusion
partial seizures

Question 12

ethosuxamide

Answer 12

absence seizures in children
blocks T type calcium channels

nausea and anorexia

Question 13

phenobarbitone

Answer 13

rare
enzyme inducing
osteoporosis

Question 14

benzodiazepines

Answer 14

status epilepticus (IV)
sedating

Question 15

felbamate

Answer 15

broad therapeutic profile

hypersensitivity and anaemia

Question 16

vigabatrin

Answer 16

GABA transaminase inhibitor
for patients unresponsive to conventional drugs
drowsiness, mood changes, retinal loss

rare

Question 17

gabapentin and pregabalin

Answer 17

calcium channel action
partial seizures and tonic clonic
less sedating
neuropathic pain

Question 18

what drugs could be prescribed for partial seizures

Answer 18

carbamazepine
lamotrigine 
oxcarbazepine 
valproate
levetricetam
gabapentin

Question 19

what drug is prescribed for absence seizures in children

Answer 19

ethosuximide

Question 20

what drugs are commonly used in children

Answer 20

valproate
lamotrigine
levetiraceteam
ethosuxamide

Question 21

baclofen

Answer 21

not for epilepsy
GABA agonist

inhibits motorneurones
used for MS and spinal injury but not for cerebral palsy