Neuro pharmacology

Question 1

What is the first line medication for focal seizures?

Answer 1

Carbamazepine or lamotrigine

Question 2

What is the first line treatment for a tonic-clonic seizure (not in a woman of child-bearing age)?

Answer 2

Sodium valproate

Question 3

Myoclonic and absence seizure first line treatments?

Answer 3

Sodium valproate

Question 4

What is sumatriptan contraindicated in?

Answer 4

IHD

Question 5

Adverse effects of sodium valproate? List

Answer 5

Teratogenic (if in pregnancy) - neurodevelopmental delay
GI: nausea, reduced appetite and weight gain
Ataxia, thrombocytopenia, hepatoxicity, pancreatitis, hyponatremia
Tremor

Question 6

Carbamazepine adverse events?

Answer 6

Visual disturbances - especially diplopia, headaches, Steven-Johnson syndrome, lethargy/drowsiness, dizziness and ataxia, myelosuppression/agranulocytosis

Question 7

Ondansetron MoA?

Answer 7

They mainly act in the chemoreceptor trigger zone area of the medulla oblongata. 5-HT3 antagonists are antiemetics.

Question 8

What are the adverse effects of Levodopa?

Answer 8

Hypotension, psychosis, dry mouth, anorexia, dyskinesia

Question 9

Metronidazole adverse effect?

Answer 9

Peripheral neuropathy

Question 10

Phenytoin adverse effects?

Answer 10

Initially: dizziness, diplopia, nystagmus, slurred speech, ataxia, lethargy/drowsiness
Later: confusion, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, lymphadenopathy

Question 11

What drug is used in myasthenia gravis diagnosis?

Answer 11

Edrophonium

Question 12

What is the treatment of choice for restless leg syndrome?

Answer 12

Ropinirole

Question 13

Rare side effect of lamotrigine therapy?

Answer 13

Steven-Johnson’s syndrome

Question 14

Mechanism of action of sumatriptan?

Answer 14

Triptans are specific 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D agonists