Pharmacology 3 Flashcards
Def of neuromodualtor
Any substance that has an effect on neurotransmission
What are the types of transmission in the brain
Chemical and voltage
What is essential for CNS drugs
Selectivity
What influx signals NT’s
Calcium
Two methods of NT action
Degradation via enzymes
Reputable into the presynaptic neuron
What activates para and sympathathetic systems and is degraded by acetylcholinesterase
ACH
What amino acids are degraded by transaminase?
GABA (sedative)
Glutamate/aspartame (stimulating)
Glycine/taurine (INHB /+ Excitatory)
Amines degraded by Monoamine Oxidase
Dopamine
NE
Serotonin
Histamine
[Excitatory or Inhibitory based on class]
Neuropeptides degraded by peptidses
Opioid
Techykins
Define sensitization
Up regulation of receptors, caused by long term antagonism or reduction of NT release
** may be more sensitive to medications **
Define desensitization
Down regulation of receptors, caused by sustained release or slower elimination of NT’s
Examples = Opioids
What defines a major depressive episode
Period of 2 weeks with 5 or + depressive symptoms
*Depressed mood
*Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
Insomnia
Hypersomnia
Change in appetite or weight
Psychomotor retardation or agitation
Low energy
Poor concentration
Thoughts of worthlessness or guilt
Recurrent thoughts about death or suicide
Patients that had one major depressive episode and do not have a history of mania or hypomania.
Unipolar Major Depression or MDD
Depression that lasts 2 or more years with symptom-free periods being less than 2 consecutive months. (May include periods of MDD)
PDD or dysthymia
What causes mood disorders and how do we try to fix it?
Nearly all mood disorders are caused by an abnormal functional activity of neurotransmitters in the brain
By enhancing or blocking the presence (effect) of the neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, we are attempting to change or “normalize” the mood
3 main types of depression
Reactive or Secondary (Most Common): response to grief, illness, drugs, alcohol, senility
Unipolar: genetically determined and unable to experience ordinary pleasure or cope with life events (Major Depressive Disorder)
Bi-Polar Affective: depression associated with mania (manic-depressive
When are Psychotherapy and Exercise recommended
Recommended as monotherapy as initial treatment in patients with mild to moderate MDD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT
When would we use electroconvulsive therapy
Option for refractory depression, depression in pregnancy, psychotic depression, and other conditions for which medications may not be optimal or effective
Cycle is three treatments/week
What preg category are most antidepressants
Cat C
What happens in the absence of a serotonin reputable inhibitor
serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is released from raphe neurons that project to limbic structures.
Serotonin activates postsynaptic and presynaptic 5-HT receptors and undergoes reuptake into the presynaptic neuron
What class of antidepressants blocks retake of 5-HT
TCA
SSRI
SNRI
What happens with continued use of a TCA SSRI or SNRI
increased synaptic concentrations of 5-HT cause the down-regulation of presynaptic autoreceptors and an increase in the firing rate of raphe neurons.
What is the efficacy of Benzo’s
Not classified as an anti-depressant
Used short-term in acute anxiety management while SSRIs are initiated
What are the tertiary TCA’s and their role?
More potent at blocking reuptake of serotonin > norepinephrine
Include: amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine
What are the secondary TCA’s and their role?
More potent in blocking reuptake of norepinephrine > serotonin
Include:
nortriptyline,
desipramine,
protriptyline
MOA of TCA’s
Block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin (precursors to SNRI) into the presynaptic neuron which increases the concentrations of monoamines in the synaptic cleft (debated theory
Also block alpha adrenergic, histamine and muscarinic receptors (anticholinergic side effects
Clin use of TCA’s
Depression
(Not first line)
Anxiety Disorders
Numerous off labeled uses such as:
Treatment for pain syndromes: useful in chronic pain but the reason is not clear
Migraine prophylaxis
TCA Pharmacokinetics / Warnings
Dosage adjustments upward will be needed due to low and inconsistent bioavailability and adverse effects
Cautions/Warnings:
Most commonly used drug in an overdose
Can produce serious, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, delirium, coma, seizures, and psychosis
ADE’s of TCA’s
Anticholinergic Effects: dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision
Dry mouth is a suggested link to weight gain due to the tendency for patients to drink excessive caloric beverages
The anticholinergic effects will make BPH worse
α receptors antagonist: orthostatic hypotension
Antihistaminic effects: sedating
Cardiovascular:
Can worsen arrhythmias due to quinidine like effect
Use with caution in ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias or conduction disturbances
Withdrawal Syndrome (if discontinued quickly)
Symptoms:
GI complaints, dizziness, insomnia and restlessness
Flu like symptoms
COMMON DRUG INTERACTIONS
Which TCA’s have high sedation and anti-cholinergic affects? (3)
Amitriptyline
Doxepin
Clomipramine
Which TCA’s have low sedation and anti-cholinergic affects and alpha blockade? (2)
Desipramine
Nortiptyline
COMMON SSRI’S and others (2)
Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine Paroxetine Sertraline Citalopram Escitalopram
Vilazodone
Vortioxetine
MOA of SSRI’S
Inhibit serotonin reuptake, without affecting reuptake of norepinephrine or dopamine into the presynaptic neuron
SSRI’s do not significantly effect histamine, muscarinic or other receptors
** Onset of action takes 3-8 weeks (or even longer in some cases**
Clin use of SSRI’S
Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Panic Disorder Social Phobia PTSD Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
** Low cost and best tolerability**
Pharmacokinetics of SSRI’S
Elimination half-life of SSRI’s is about 1 day
Fluoxetine has the longest half-life at 1-3 days for parent drug and active metabolites are 4-16 days
Fluvoxamine is the shortest with half-life at 15 hours
Which SSRI’S do not interact with CYP 450?
citalopram and escitalopram
ADE’s of SSRI’S
Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, constipation
CNS: agitation, anxiety, tremor, or panic may be seen in during the early phase of therapy
Most activating: fluoxetine and sertraline
Avoid in patients having trouble sleeping and give in the morning
Most sedating: paroxetine and fluvoxamine
Dose in the evening
Weight Gain (paroxetine is the worst)
Sexual Dysfunction
What are the three most severe ADE of SSRI’S
Serotonin Syndrome
Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)
EPS side effects:
Include akathisia, dystonias, and parkinsonian symptoms
Reported with all SSRI’s, but paroxetine has the most reported
Especially with elderly
Treatment for Serotonin Syndrome
Withdraw offending agent(s) Supportive care Anxiety/seizures benzodiazepines Hyperthermia ice, cooling blankets Cyproheptadine 1st generation antihistamine, and 5HT1A and 5HT2 antagonist
Which SSRI does not cause withdrawal symptoms
Fluoxetine
Common drug interactions of SSRI’S
Bleeding Risk Aspirin products NSAIDS Variable CYP interactions Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Indication for Fluoxetine
PTSD
MDD
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Indication for Sertraline
PTSD
MDD
Indication for Paroxetine
PTSD
Panic Disorder
MDD
* Not rec for children *
CAN CAUSE CARDIAC SEPTAL DEFECTS IN 1ST TRI EXPOSURE
Indication for Fluvoxamine
Clinical Use: MOSTLY Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Considered sedating and more serotonin selective than most of the other SSRIs
Potent 2D6 Inhibitor
At what dose should Citalopram not be used and why
Citalopram should no longer be used at doses > 40mg/day due to the potential to cause QT prolongation and other cardiovascular electrical abnormalities.
What drug is an analog but more potent than citalopram
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Vortioxetine Indication
MDD
Vortioxetine Drug Interactions
Strong inhibitor of CYP2D6
(Reduce the dose)
Substrate of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4
(Increase the dose)
Main and Other SNRI’s
Main SNRI medications
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Other SNRI medications
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Milnacipran (Savella)
MOA of SNRI’s
inhibit the reuptake of 5HT and NE, increasing their levels; little activity for alpha adrenergic, cholinergic, or histamine receptor
Which SNRI’s are associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure at higher doses
Venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine
Drug interactions of SNRI’s
Both substrates and mild to moderate inhibitors of CYP2D6
SNRIs should not be used with MAOIs or other serotonergic agents
What is the clin use of Venlafaxine
Severe or treatment-resistant depression
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
PTSD (1st line agent along with SSRIs)
Benefits:
Safer than TCAs in overdoses
Not as activating as fluoxetine
Unique MOA so it can be used when SSRIs have failed
What is unique about the dosage of venlafaxine
Works as an SSRI at doses ~75mg/day; SNRI at >225mg/day.
Venlafaxine is contrained in what two cases?
MAOIs inhibitors and triptans
Clin use of Des venlafaxine
Clinical Use: 2nd line agent for MDD No advantage over Venlafaxine Adverse Effects: same as venlafaxine Contraindication: same as venlafaxine
Clin use of Duloxetine
Severe or treatment-resistant depression Generalized anxiety disorder Diabetic peripheral neuropathy Fibromyalgia Chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by chronic lower back pain or osteoarthritis pain
What patients should not take duloxetine
Should NOT be used in patients with hepatic insufficiency, end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, or severe renal impairment
What is unique about levomilnacipran / its clin use / and ADE’s
Mechanism of Action:
Stronger inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake than duloxetine (Cymbalta) or venlafaxine (Effexor)
More active isomer of the SNRI milnacipran (Savella)
Milnacipran (Savella) approved for fibromyalgia, not depression
Clinical Use: only for depression
Adverse Effects:
May cause hyponatremia and increase bleeding risk
Blood pressure elevation and orthostatic hypotension can occur
What are the drug interactions of Levomilnacipran
CYP3A4 substrate
Drug class of BUPROPION and MOA
NDRI
dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake (at high doses) inhibitor with minimal activity on serotonin
Clin use and ADE of Bupropion
Clinical Use:
MDD
Brand Name Zyban indicated for smoking cessation
Unlabeled Use: adjunctive agent in ADHD in children and adolescents
Adverse Effects:
Headache, insomnia, irritability, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite
Weight loss ~4kg
Increased risk of seizures
What is contrained with use of bupropion
Alcohol Benzos and MAOI’s
SRA’s and common effects
Medications:
Trazodone
Mirtazapine
Nefazodone
Common effects:
Antagonists of 5HT2 family of receptors
Antagonists of α1 receptors
Antagonists of Histamine1 (H1) receptors – causes drowsiness
What receptors are inhibited by Trazodone
5HT2A, H1, and α1 receptors
Clin use of Trazadone and main ADE
Clinical Use:
Can be used for depression, but usually in combination with SSRI/SNRI in patients with sleep disorders
At low doses used as an agent for sleep
Compared to TCAs, has fewer anticholinergic side effects and fewer effects on the cardiac system
Drowsiness
Receptors inhibited by Mertazapine
5HT2A, 5HT3, H1, α1 and α2
Clin use and clearances of Mirtazapine
MDD in combo w SSRI’S
Renally cleared
Profound sedative efffect
MOA of Nefazodone
: Inhibits 5HT2 family of receptors, α1 receptors, and reuptake of serotonin + norepinephrine
Clinical use of nefazodone
Anxious depression
or in SSRI use that is too activating/sexual dysfunction
Considered a 2nd or 3rd line agent
ADE’s (5) and Black box warning for Nefazodone
Common: GI complaints, dry mouth, constipation, confusion, and light-headedness
Risk of liver failure
Drug interactions of Nefazodone
INHB of 3A4
MOA of MAOI’s
blocks the enzyme responsible for the break down of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin
which increases the stores of these transmitters in the neurons
Two Forms: MAO-A and MA
Clin use and Interactions of MAOI’s
Clinical Use:
Atypical depression (hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and mood reactivity)
Patients refractory to other anti-depressant agents
Interactions: the infamous food-drug interactions caused by these medications occur because they inhibit MAO in the GI track that normally breakdown tyramine
Can cause hypertensive crisis
What are the MAOI’s
‘Phenelzine
Selegilne
What are the regards for switching from an antidepressant to an MAOI
Wait 2 weeks after discontinuing antidepressant before initiating the MAOI
Except Fluoxetine waiting period should be 5-6 weeks
Clin use of Selegiline
MDD
MAO-B Inhibitor
What is the adequate trial of an antidepressant agent
full therapeutic doses for 2-8 weeks and in some cases for up to 12 weeks
Define response and remission
usually defined as a 50% reduction in symptoms
What antidepressant are likely to cause sexual dysfunction
SSRI’S
SNRI’s
What antidepressant are likely to cause Weight gain
Most all antidepressants
**except bupropion and fluoxetine
What antidepressant are likely to cause somnolence
TCA’s misrtazapine aroxetine trazadone
What antidepressant are likely to cause an increase in energy
Bupropion or an SNRI
Fluoxetine and Sertraline
What antidepressant are likely to cause anxiety
Bupropion
What antidepressant are likely to cause a reduction in pain
Duloxetine venlafaxine
amitriptyline and imipramine
What patients would you consider Vortioxetine in?
Overweight
Sexual dysfunction
Psychomotor slowing
What two antidepressants/anxiety meds do not require tapering when discontinuing
Fluoxetine
Bupropion
What are thyroid stimulants good for
Resistant depression
What atypical antipsychotics have approval as augmentations to antidepressant therapy
Aripiprazole and Quietiapine
What antidepressant can cause heart defects in pregnant patients newborn
Paroxetine
Mania vs/ Hypomania
Mania: the affective opposite of depression; characterized by at least 1 week of an abnormal and persistently elevated mood
Hypomania: similar to a manic episode, but it exists for 4 days or longer; not severe enough to warrant hospitalization, does not impair social or occupational functioning, and is not associated with psychosis
Cyclothymic disorder
Several periods of hypomania and mild depression that do not meet criteria for mania or MDD
BPI vs BPII
Bipolar I (BPI):
Chronic disorder marked by one or more manic or mixed episodes and major depressive episodes
Recurrent manic or mixed manic episodes more frequent and severe compared to depressive episodes; more hospitalizations
Bipolar II (BP II):
Chronic disorder marked by one or more major depressive episodes, accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode
Recurrent major depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes; no mania, less hospitalizations, more common in females, more often rapid cycling
Define rapid cycling
four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, mixed mania, or depression in a one-year period; need to assess thyroid function
What overproduction is likely to cause a manic episode
NE and serotonin
Clin use of Lithium
Effective for manic and depressive components
Anti-manic effects can occur in 1-2 weeks
*discontinue after resolves
Discuss monitoring with lithium treatment
Narrow therap. Index
Half Life 20-24 hours
CBC, electrolyte, thyroid Preg Test
anything that alerts GFR affects its clearance
If pt has a tremor with lithium use, what do you do?
Reduce dose and add Beta blocker
If pt has CNS toxicity what should yo do with the lithium prescription
Reduce dose
If pt has GI issues on lithium what should you do
Reduce dose and try extended release product
If pt has hypothyroidism on lithium what should you do
Discontinue or give levothyroxine
Discuss lithium and sodium concentrations
If NA+ is not reabsorbed and hyper depleted remaining sodium and lithium are reabsorbed from proximal tubules and can increase concentration
Interaction of Lithium and NSAIDs
Decreased Li excretion causes increased Li serum levels; avoid use to reduce toxicity
What are the anticonvulsants
Valproic Acid derivatives
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Topiramate (Topamax)
When is valproic acid better than lithium
Rapid cycling
Comorbid substance abuse
Secondary bipolar disorder
Mixed mania
Preg Cat of Valproic acid and Divalproex
D
Clin use of Carbamazepine
Effective for acute mania and maintenance therapy
Used for long-term management
Can be added to lithium for patients who have not responded to monotherapy
Carbamazepine (Equetro) approved by the FDA for acute manic/mixed episodes
ADE’ s of carbamazepine
Hyponatremia, including SIADH can occur
Rash/Steven’s Johnson Syndrome
Agranulocytosis
Which anticonvulsant is effective for the depressed phase of bipolar disorder
Lamotrigine
If you give lamotrigine with carbamazepine what should you do
Primary concern of lamotrigine
Double the dose of lamotrigine
RASH
Use of BZD’s in bipolar disorder
Useful for insomnia, hyperactivity, and agitation
What are the acutely used BZD’s
Lorazepam, Diazepam
When is clonazepam used
Brief behavior symptoms
What two antipsychotics can control agitation and psychosis
Haloperidol
Olanzapine
What two antipsychotics are approved as mono therapy in bipolar disorder
Olanzipine and Aripiprazole
What is happening physiologically in Parkinson’s
Dopamine normally inhibits GABA in substantia nigra
Acetylcholine excites GABA in substantia nigra
In Parkinson’s there is a gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons
How does Parkinson’s affect mental status
Depression (50%)
Dementia (25%)
Psychosis
*May be precipitated or worsened by drugs
What are the secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s
Cognitive Dysfunction: amnesia, anxiety, dementia, confusion in the evening hours
Autonomic Dysfunction: dribbling of urine or leaking of urine
Speech Disturbances: impaired voice, soft speech, or voice box spasms
Micrographia “small handwriting”: handwriting appears cramped in patients with Parkinson’s
What are the drug induced dopamine antagonists
[Antipsychotics]
Prochloroperazine (Compazine)
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
[Antiemetics]
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
What disease can induce Parkinson’s dz
Viral encephalitis
What drug can improve Parkinson’s motor disability
Drug that can Lessen motor complication?
Levodopa
Dopamine
What type of Parkinson’s pt receives monoamine oxidase inhibitor or dopamine agonist first
Younger
Bio fit
Mild symptomatics
What type of Parkinson’s pt receives L-DOPA therapy first
Bio unfit
Co-morbid
Cognitively impaired
If a Parkinson’s pt is experiencing the following symptoms what do you do
Dyskinesia
Motor Fluctuations
Tremors
Reduced L-DOPA
Subcutaneous aporphibe or duodopa
Deep brain stimulation
First line Txm in Parkinson’s dz
Dopamine agonist
Which drug has the greatest effect on bradykinesia and rigidity
Levodopa
Dopamine Agonists
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Pramipexole (Mirapex)
Apomorphine (Apokyn
Ropinirole (Requip)
Muscarinic antagonists
Benztropine (Cogentin)
Trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
NMDA Inhibitor
Amantadine (Symmetrel)
COMT Inhibtors
MAO Inhibitors
Catechol-O-Methyl-Transferase (COMT) Inhibitors:
Tolcapone (Tasmar)
Entacapone (Comtan)
Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone (Stalevo)
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors:
Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar, Deprenyl)
Rasagiline (Azilect) (Therapeutic effects are not robust)
MOA and main receptor for Dopamine agonists
Act directly on postsynaptic dopamine receptors
Do not require enzymatic conversion
D2 family receptors (D2, D3 and D4): stimulation of D2 family improves rigidity and bradykinesia
Treatment of this drug Delays levodopa for years and advantages
Dopamine agonists
Advantage: less dyskinesia and fluctuations than levodopa; long half-life results in less dyskinesias
Not oxidized into free radicals
What pt symptoms worsen with dopamine agonists
Psychotic and/or dementia pts
non selective dopamine agonists
Bromocriptine
Rotigotine
Transdermal
Non selective dopamine agonist ADE’s
Pleuropulmonary and/or cardiac fibrosis is a concern Chest x-ray with abnormal pulmonary exam Postural hypotension, dizziness Hallucinations, mental confusion GI disturbances Digital vasospasm and leg cramps
D2 and D3 selective agonists
Pramipexole (Mirapex)
Ropinirole (Requip)
ADE’s and contraindications of D2 and D3 selective agonists
Adverse Effects:
Postural hypotension (at the initiation of therapy)
GI problems
Mental confusion
Dizziness
Hallucinations
Somnolence (all dopamine agonist can cause daytime sleepiness)
Contraindications:
History of psychotic illness
Recent myocardial infarction (MI)
Active peptic ulceration
Clin use of pramipexole (4 things)
Clinical Use:
Effective as monotherapy for mild parkinsonism and in patients with advanced disease
Allows the dose of levodopa to be reduced and smoothing out response fluctuations in advance disease.
Possible neuro-protective effect
Ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and enhance neurotrophic activity
Clin use of ropinirole
Clinical Use:
Affective as monotherapy in patients with mild disease
Allows the dose of levodopa to be reduced and smoothing out response fluctuations in advance disease
D2 Selective agonist
Apomorphine (short acting)
Clin use of apomorphine
Clinical Use: acute, intermittent treatment of “off” episodes associated with advanced Parkinson disease; recurring hypomotility, “off” episodes
Most severe ADE and treatment of apomorphine
Severe Nausea/vomiting (98%)
Treatment: prophylaxis with trimethobenzamide (anti-emetic) 3 days prior to initiating apomorphine and continued for the first month of therapy, if not indefinitely
Contraindications of apomorphine
5-hydroxytryptamine-3 antagonists (5-HT3) antagonists
IV use (thrombus formation)
Sulfite sensitivity (preservative)
MOA of carbidopa
Aromatic Inhibtor that DOES NOT CROSS THE BBB
Prevents peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine
Increases avail of levodopa to cross into the CNS
Levodopa MOA
Mechanism of Action:
Precursor to dopamine that has the ability to cross the BBB and replenish depleted dopamine in the brain
Converted into dopamine in the periphery
Clin effects of levodopa
Clinical effects:
Improvement in disability and possibly mortality
Greatest effect on bradykinesia and rigidity; less effect on tremor and postural instability
How long is the honeymoon stage of levodopa
3-5 years
Main ADE of Carbidopa/Levodopa
Dyskinesias (excessive dopamine):
What dz is contrained or has precautions for the use of C/L
Contraindications:
psychotic illness, narrow-angle glaucoma, use of non-selective MAOI’s
Precautions:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Malignant Melanomas: levodopa is a precursor of skin melanin and conceivably may activate malignant melanoma
When should a pt take selegiline
Which is more potent selegiline or rasagiline
Early afternoon to prevent insomnia
[in conjunction with levodopa]
RASAGILINE MORE POTENT
MOA OF COMT INHB and Clin use
Mechanism of Action: prevents the breakdown of dopamine, more levodopa available to cross blood-brain barrier
Clinical Use:
Manage motor fluctuations (“wearing-off” effect)
Adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with response fluctuations or who have failed or can not use other therapies
Most commonly noticed ADE of Entacapone (COMT-INHB)
Orange Urine
COMT Inhibitors
Tolcapone [ EXTREME HEPTATOXICTY ]
Entacapone [ USE WITH C/L / DOES NOT CROSS BBB ]
Stalevo [ C/L/ENTACAPONE ]
Anticholinergic MOA and Clin use
Mechanism of Action: block the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine to try and restore balance with dopamine
Clinical Use:
Most effective on tremors and rigidity
DOC for drug-induced (anti-psychotics) parkinsonism
Does not relieve symptoms of tardive dyskinesia
Anticholinergics
Benztropine [ controls EPS symptoms ]
Trihextphenidyl
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Inhibitor / Clin Use
Amantadine
Clinical Use:
Posses symptomatic benefits and may reduce dyskinesias caused by levodopa or dopamine agonists
Not as effective on bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and dyskinesia as anticholinergics
Most common ADE of Amantadine
Livedo Reticularis (rash)
Two categories of seizures
Generalized - originates at some point within and then engages neural networks
Focal - involves only a portion of the brain impaired consciousness or awareness
Tonic
Vs.
Clonic
Vs.
Myoclonic
Vs.
Atonic
Tonic: flexion and/or extension
Clonic: rhythmic, repetitive, jerking muscle movements
Myoclonic: brief, lightning-like jerking movements of the entire body or the upper and occasionally lower extremities
Atonic:
Characterized by a loss of muscle tone
What is an absent seizure
Typical seizures are brief and abrupt, last 10-30 seconds, and occur in clusters
Usually results in a short loss of consciousness, or the patient may stare, be motionless, or have a distant expression on his or her face
What is an epileptic seizure
2 or more seizures
Epileptic Seizure: clinical manifestation presumed to result from abnormal and excessive discharge of a set of neurons in the brain that results in abnormal movements or perceptions
Discuss cause and treatment of primary vs secondary epilepsy
Primary Epilepsy: no specific anatomic cause Drug treatment (MAY) be for life
Secondary Epilepsy: reversible disturbances responsible for seizures
Tumors, trauma, hypoglycemia, alcohol withdrawal
Drug treatment is used until the primary cause of the seizure can be corrected
When do you perform Venus nerve stimulation
For difficult to manage partial seizures
Implanted stimulator delivers stimuli on a regular basis and patients can use “on demand” stimulation
When can we attempt withdrawal from seizure therapy
Seizure free for 2-5 years
Single seizure type
Normal neurological exam and IQ
Normal electroencephalogram (EEG) with medication treatment
withdraw slow and one at a time
MOA of anticonvulsants (3 mechanisms)
blocking the initiation or preventing the spread of electrical discharge by several mechanisms
1) Enhancement of GABAnergic transmission
2) Diminution of excitatory transmission (i.e. Glutamate)
3) Modification of ionic conductance (i.e. Calcium, Sodium
What two drugs have a narrow spectrum in absent seizures
Ethosuximide
Valproate (alternative)
MOA and Clin Use of Phenytoin
Mechanism of Action: fast sodium channel blocker
Clinical Use:
Generalized tonic-clonic (not 1st line)
Simple or complex partial seizures with or without generalization (not 1st line)
Status Epilepticus
**DO NOT USE in Absence seizures
Administration Considerations of Phenytoin = (Dilantin, Phenytex)
IV Formulation: very basic product
Prepare only in normal saline solution
Oral suspension: shake well; adheres to feeding tubes and is bound by enteral nutrition products
Non dose related ADE’s of phenytoin
Vs.
Dose related
Non Dose:
Sexual dysfunction
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth), gingival hyperplasia (40-90%)
Long term use causes coarsening of facial features
Dose:
Nystagmus (rapid eye movement), ataxia, drowsiness, cognitive impairment