Seizure Meds Flashcards
3 drugs that treat absence epilepsy
1) ethosuxamide
2) valproic acid
3) lamotrigine
Ethosuxamide
ONLY for absence***
MAO - inhibits t-type calcium channels
only effective for staring spells, not convulsive seizures
Valproate
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
Lamotrigine
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
name 2 key features of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
1) commonly inherited
2) Photo-sensitive (stobe light, video games)
What is carbamazepine to be used for? 2 things
1) trigeminal neuralgia
2) FOCAL seizures ONLY (not generalized)
Levatiracetam
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
Topiramate
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
Carbamazepine
MOA
FOCAL seizure usage only
causes anaplastic anemia and hyponatremia probs too
Gabapentin
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
Pregabalin
used as an adjunct for partial seizures
wt. gain also a side effect
Phenytoin
“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)
