Pharmacology of Epilepsy Flashcards
What are the 4 main drugs for epilepsy
Lamotrigine
Diazepam
Levetiracetam
Sodium valporate
How does lamotrigine work?
Blocks voltage gated sodium ion channels so there is reduced release of glutamate into the synapse
What is the target site for lamotrigine?
Voltage gated sodium ion channels
What are the side effects of lamotrigine?
May get a rash and drowsiness (give in low doses and build up to prevent this), also may get suicidal thoughts and steven johnsons syndrome which is more serious
How does diazepam work?
Increases chloride ion influx when GABA binds at the GABA A receptor
What is the target site for diazepam?
Benzodiazepine part of GABA A receptor
What are the side effects of diazepam?
Drowsiness, respiratory distress, haemolytic anaemia, jaundice
Why can’t diazepam be used long term?
Patients develop resistance after a while
How does levetiracetam work?
Inhibits the SV2A vehicular protein at the presynaptic terminal so less glutamate is released into the synapse
What is the target site for levetiracetam?
SV2A vehicular protein
How does sodium valproate work?
Blocks GABA transaminase so GABA concentration in the synapse is increased and GABA is metabolised slower increasing its inhibitory effects
What is the target site for sodium valproate?
GABA transaminase
