High Yield Anticonvulsants

Question 1

Phenytoin

Answer 1

For = partial & generalized seizures

Side FX = gingival hyperplasia, blood dyscrasia (abnormal blood)

cyp450 inducing thus can interfere with birth control slash other meds

Question 2

Carbamazepine

Answer 2

FOCAL seizures ONLY, trigeminal neuralgia (gold standard) and bipolar disorder

side effects: hyponatremia, aplastic anemia S-J rash

also induces cyp450

Question 3

Lamotrigine

Answer 3

for partial and generalized seizures, bipolar disorders & trigeminal neuralgia

Question 4

Valproic Acid

Answer 4

Myoclonic, partial, generalized

side fx = pancreatitis! - “fat, bald and shaky” weight gain, hair loss, and tremor… also menstrual irregularity

Question 5

ethosuxamide

Answer 5

absence seizures

Question 6

Gabapentin

Answer 6

neuropathic pain and partial seizures

Question 7

pregabalin

Answer 7

adjunctive treatment for partial seizures and neuropathic pain

Question 8

Topiramate

Answer 8

For = multiple seizure types (juvenile myoclonic epilepsy), chronic migraines

Side fx = behavioral changes (don’t give to someone who might be depressed!), decreases IQ, and increases risk of kidney stones

Question 9

Levetiracetam

Answer 9

for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (refractory partial seizures in adults)

OKAY for those with liver failure!!!

no drug interactions with others

DON’T use if person depressed

Does NOT require routine blood testing

Question 10

Phenobarbital

Answer 10

for status epilepticus and generalized seizures (used more often in children)

side effects = megaloblastic anemia and induces Cyp450

Question 11

Diazepam & lorazepam

Answer 11

acute use of status epilepticus

binds GABA to enhance transmission