Seizure Medications Flashcards
what medications are in the class: benzodiazepine
- lorazepam
- diazepam
- midazolam
what are benzodiazepines used for
- acute seizures
- status epilepticus
what are common side effects of benzodiazepines
- drowsiness
- resp depression
nursing considerations for benzodiazepines
- assess sedation level
- monitor resp status
what med is included in the drug class: barbiturates
phenobarbital
what is phenobarbital used for
- neonatal seizures
- status epilepticus (second line)
what are common side effects with phenobarbital
- sedation
- cognitive impairment
- resp depression
what are nursing considerations for phenobarbital
- assess sedation level
- monitor for extreme resp depression
what other 4 meds are anti-epileptic drugs
- phenytoin
- valproic acid (Depakote)
- gabapentin
- levetiracetam (Keppra)
what are common side effects of phenytoin
- gingival hyperplasia
- ataxia
- rash (SJS)
report ataxia, hand tremor, slurred speech
what are expected side effects of phenytoin
- bradycardia
- hypotension
- gingival hyperplasia
don’t stop the drug for these
what are nursing considerations for phenytoin
- monitor seum levels: max range is 20
- avoid rapid IV administration
- take same time everyday
routine bloodwork
what are common side effects of valproic acid (Depakote)
- nausea
- weight gain
- liver toxicity
what are nursing considerations with valproic acid
- monitor serum and liver function tests
what are common side effects of gabapentin
- dizziness
- fatigue
- ataxia
what are nursing considerations for gabapentin
- assess for changes in seizure frequency
what are common side effects of levetiracetam (Keppra)
- fatigue
- irritability
- dizziness
- rash (SJS)
- what are nursing considerations for levetiracetam
- watch for mood/behavior changes
what are factors to consider when giving benzodiazepines and barbituates
- resp depression
- sedation and CNS (barbituates have longer duration of action)
- hypotension if administered IV too quickly
- interaction iwth other CNS depressants (i.e. opioids)
- narrow therapeutic range
- always have resuscitation equippment available
compare how long the drugs last between benzodiazepines and barbituates
- benzodiazepines act more quickly but wears off sooner
- barbiturates have prolonged half-life; leading to longer sedation
tell me the MOA for:
benzodiazepines
barbiturates
phenytoin
gabapentin
valproic acid
levetiracetam
- benzodiazepines: enhance GABA
- barbiturates: enhance GABA
- phenytoin: alters ion transport
- gabapentin: alters ion transport
- valproic acid: boosts GABA, alters ion transport
- levetiracetum: inhibit burst firing, prevent hypersynchronization of burst firing and propagation of seizure
