pharm Flashcards
mechanism of action of lamotrigine
blocks voltage gated sodium channels therefore preventing sodium influx and the depolarisation of glutamatergic neruones. This reduces the excitotoxicty of glutamate
target for lamotrigine
voltage gated sodium channels of glutamatergic neurones
side effects of lamotrigine
common: rash, drowsiness
rare: Steven-johnson’s syndrome (skin reaction), suicidal thoughts
how do you reduce the frequency and severity of allergic skin reactions from lamotrigine
introduce it gradually
which anti epileptic drug has the most side effects
sodium valproate
mechanism of action of sodium valproate
inhibits GABA transaminase, therefore prevents the extraneuronal metabolism of GABA so it remains within the synapse and maintains its inhibitory effects
side effects of sodium valproate
common: weight gain, hair loss, drowsiness, stomach pain, diarrhoea
serious, teratogenicity, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity
what is sodium valproate
a CYP enzyme inhibitor
mechanism of action of diazepam
increased chloride ion influx in response to GABA binding at GABA-A receptor. This causes hyperpolarisation of excitatory neurones
target site of diazepam
benzodiazepine binding sites on GABA-A receptor
side effects of diazepam
common: drowsiness, respiratory depression (if iV or high dose)
uncommon but serious: haemolytic anaemia, jaundice
when can you get respiratory depression with diazepam
if taken through IV or at a high dose
what is the main reason that diazepam is not used as a long term treatment for seizure suppression
development of tolerance
who is more likely to become dependent on diazepam
addiction-prone individuals
which anti epileptic drug is favourable in terms of no drug-drug interactions
levetiracetam: has no effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system
