Unit 7: CNS Drugs.Seizures Flashcards

1
Q

define epilepsy

A

electrical storm in the brain

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2
Q

define seizure

A

paroxysmal abnormal neuronal discharges

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3
Q

define convulsion

A

forceful, involuntary spasm/contraction

the motor manifestation of a seizure

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4
Q

define status epilepticus

A

a medical emergency as the patient could stop breathing

30+ minutes of a seizure w/o regaining consciousness

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5
Q

what are the 2 types of partial seizures?

A

simple and complex

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6
Q

define tonic-clonic seizures

A

classic seizure
formerly “grand mal”
tonic phase < 1 minute: abrupt LOC, muscle rigidity, respiratory arrest
clonic phase 2-3 min: muscle jerking, lip/tongue biting, fecal/urinary incontinence

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7
Q

define myoclonic seizures

A

single or multiple myoclonic jerks
myoclonus = quick, involuntary muscle jerk
e.g. hiccups
e.g. muscle twitch when falling asleep

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8
Q

define absence seizures

A

impaired consciousness
formerly “petit mal”
sometimes with automatisms
easy to miss

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9
Q

What anti-seizure drugs need serum bloodwork to assess for therapeutic range?

A
phenytoin
carbamazepine
valproic acid
ethosuximide
lamotrigine
felbamate
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10
Q

What anti seizure drug can also treat nerve pain?

A

gabapentin

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11
Q

What is important to remember about pregnancy and many anti seizure drugs?

A

many are pregnancy class C or D

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12
Q

Carbamazepine has interactions with which drugs?

A
erythromycin
grapefruit juice
protease inhibitors
allopurinol
oral contraceptives
warfarin
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13
Q

Name some serious adverse effects with carbamazepine

A

blood dycrasias:
aplastic anemia
agranulocytosis

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14
Q

define agranulocytosis

A

severe and dangerous leukopenia (low white blood cell counts)

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15
Q

serious adverse effects of valproic acid

A

pancreatitis

hepatitis

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16
Q

adverse effects of valproic acid

A
N/V
anorexia
weight gain
sedation, stupor
tremor
thrombocytopenia
17
Q

what kind of seizures can valproic acid treat?

A

absence
generalized
parital
febrile

18
Q

how long does it take to reach a steady state with phenobarbital?

A

3-4 weeks

19
Q

what antiseizure drugs require a loading dose?

A

phenytoin

phenobarbital

20
Q

name a black box warning for lamotrigine

A

SJS

toxic epidermal necrosis

21
Q

adverse effects of lamotrigine

A
somnolence
diplopia
headache
dizziness
nausea
22
Q

what anti seizure medication is also used to treat migraines

A

topiramate

23
Q

what is the nickname for topiramate and why?

A

“dopamax”

due to adverse effects

24
Q

what are the adverse effects of topiramate?

A
slowed thinking and speech
confusion
difficulty concentrating
word-finding difficulties
headache
fatigue
weight loss
25
Q

generic name of Keppra

A

levetiracetam

26
Q

Keppra must be adjusted for which kind of patients?

A

those with renal impairment

27
Q

with what other seizure drugs does Keppra interact?

A

none

28
Q

adverse effects of levetiracetam

A

dizziness
somnolence
behavior disturbances

29
Q

Name some serious adverse effects of oxcarbazepine

A

SJS
toxic epidermal necrosis
multi-organ hypersensitivity

30
Q

What anti seizure drugs require adjustments for renal issues?

A

levetiracetam

oxcarbazepine

31
Q

What anti seizure drugs list SJS and toxic epidermal necroses as adverse effects?

A

oxcarbazepine

lamotrigine

32
Q

What allergy can zonisamide cause?

A

sulfa allergy

33
Q

list the adverse effects of zonisamide

A
sedation
dizziness
cognitive impairment
Nausea
weight loss
sulfa allergy
34
Q

how does gabapentin work?

A

alters amino acid metabolism
increases GABA
decreases glutamate

35
Q

adverse effects of gabapentin

A

dizziness
somnolence
weight gain
behavioral changes in children

36
Q

name a last line agent

A

felbamate