Treatment of Neurological Disorders Interactive Feedback

Question 1

List 3 main mechanisms of action for antiepileptic drugs.

Answer 1

1 - Decrease sodium channel activity.

2 - Decrease calcium channel activity (for absence seizures only).

3 - Increase GABA activity.

Question 2

List 2 antiepileptic drugs that are appropriate for pregnant women.

Answer 2

1 - Carbamazepine.

2 - Lamotrigine.

Question 3

Why might the dosage of antiepileptic drugs be given in gradually increasing increments?

Answer 3

To balance antiepileptic activity and side effects by testing lower doses first and gradually increasing the dose if a low dose is insufficient.

Question 4

Give an example of how drugs might interfere by altering drug metabolism.

Answer 4

By increasing competition of P450 enzymes in the liver, increasing time to eliminate.