Seizure Meds Flashcards

1
Q

3 drugs that treat absence epilepsy

A

1) ethosuxamide
2) valproic acid
3) lamotrigine

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2
Q

Ethosuxamide

A

ONLY for absence***

MAO - inhibits t-type calcium channels

only effective for staring spells, not convulsive seizures

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3
Q

Valproate

A

can be used for absence, but bad side effects

“fat, bald, and shaky” side effects, weight gain, hair loss, and tremor… acute pancreatitis (thus “belly pain” with valproate is bad news bears)

MAO - enhances GABA

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4
Q

Lamotrigine

A

MOA

used for partial and generalized seizures

better handled than others for absence, but takes 6 weeks to get to therapeutic levels

stevens-johnson in 1% of children

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5
Q

name 2 key features of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

A

1) commonly inherited

2) Photo-sensitive (stobe light, video games)

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6
Q

What is carbamazepine to be used for? 2 things

A

1) trigeminal neuralgia

2) FOCAL seizures ONLY (not generalized)

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7
Q

Levatiracetam

A

MOA - used for Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

req no routine lab testing like EVERY OTHER anti-convulsant

BUT can cause behavioral changes, thus should not be given to those who might be depressed

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8
Q

Topiramate

A

can be used for many different seizures

Side effects include Anorexia and difficulty with memory and concentration (will make them feel “dopy”), also an increased risk of kidney stones

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9
Q

Carbamazepine

A

MOA

FOCAL seizure usage only

causes anaplastic anemia and hyponatremia probs too

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10
Q

Gabapentin

A

MOA used for partial seizures and neuropathic pain

but it can make you really sleepy, and gain wait but easily the safest anti-convulsant to give

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11
Q

Pregabalin

A

used as an adjunct for partial seizures

wt. gain also a side effect

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12
Q

Phenytoin

A

“go-to” for seizures

BUT its a cyp450 inducer so make sure your pt. is not on low-dose estrogen birth control or taking other meds at the time

unique side effect is gingival hyperplasia (completely cover the teeth with gums)

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