Seizure Drugs Flashcards
Benzodiazepines
what is the function and side effect
for at risk seizure pts psychoactive tranq enhance gaba receptor HYPNOTIC anticonvulsant
s/e memory issue, behavior issue
increased risk of suicide
short, intermediary, long acting (anxiety)
Phenytoin
what is the function and side effect
This drug is prescribed to treat epilepsy. Phenytoin controls partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In the hospital, it can be given through a vein to quickly bring a seizure under control. Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, slurred speech, acne, rash, gum thickening, and hair growth (hirsutism). Over the long term, the drug can make bones to thin.
Dexamethasone (corticosteroid)
what is the function and side effect
reduce inflammation or swelling of brain tissue
Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing’s syndrome).
This medication is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your body’s natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes, fungal infections), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low blood minerals (e.g., low potassium/calcium), thyroid disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea), high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), brittle bones (osteoporosis), history of blood clots.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aminoglutethimide, birth control pills, certain cancer drugs (dasatinib, lapatinib, sunitinib, aldesleukin), cholestyramine, digoxin, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen), ephedrine, estrogen hormone replacement, isoniazid, mifepristone, rilpivirine, thalidomide.
Carbamazepine
what is the function and side effect
treats partial seizure
Uses
Carbamazepine is used to prevent and control seizures. This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug. It is also used to relieve certain types of nerve pain (such as trigeminal neuralgia). This medication works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain and restoring the normal balance of nerve activity.
s/e blurred vision
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, or unsteadiness may occur.
Precautions
Before taking carbamazepine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-seizure medications (such as fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) or tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, desipramine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sorbitol in the suspension), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: decreased bone marrow function (bone marrow depression), blood disorders (such as porphyria, anemia), glaucoma, heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), mineral imbalances (such as low levels of sodium or calcium in the blood ).
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain azole antifungals (isavuconazonium, voriconazole), orlistat.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Phenobarbital
what is the function and side effect
treats partial seizures
s/e sedation
changes in sleep pattern
Uses This medication is used alone or with other medications to control seizures. Controlling and reducing seizures lets you do more of your normal daily activities, reduces your risk of harm when you lose consciousness, and lessens your risk for a possibly life-threatening condition of frequent, repeated seizures. Phenobarbital belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturate anticonvulsants/hypnotics. It works by controlling the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that occurs during a seizure. This medication is also used for a short time (usually no more than 2 weeks) to help calm you or help you sleep during periods of anxiety. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain to cause calming.
How to use Phenobarbital
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime for seizure control, or as directed by your doctor. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain hormone problems (adrenal disease such as Addison’s disease), liver problems, kidney problems, lung disease (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), personal/family history of a certain blood disorder (porphyria), certain vitamin deficiencies (folic acid, vitamin K).
Some products that may interact with this drug include: darunavir, etravirine, orlistat, rilpivirine.
Gabapentin
treats partial seizure
s/e increased appetite and weight gain
Seizure Protocol
No Restrains
Turn to left side to reduce aspiration
may have comprimised airway secondary to lowered level of consciousness
Lamotrigine
anticonvulsant
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: dofetilide, orlistat.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, a certain heart rhythm disorder (Brugada syndrome).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Other medications can affect the removal of lamotrigine from your body, which may affect how lamotrigine works. Examples include hormonal birth control (such as pills, patches), estrogens, other medications to treat seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid), certain HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir/ritonavir, atazanavir/ritonavir), and rifampin, among others. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of lamotrigine if you are on these medications.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control products (such as pills, patch, ring). This effect can result in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details. Discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
