Anti-Convulsants Flashcards
Commonly Used to Treat
Seizures
Mechanism of Action
Some increase GABA
-GABA=major inhibitory neurotransmitter
Some decrease Na (sodium) channels
-Decrease firing of neurotransmitters
Notes
-Monotherapy is ideal to help manage adverse reactions and increase compliance
Depakene
Generic name: valproic acid
Valproate
Broad spectrum= effective against all types of seizures
Enhance actions of GABA
Adverse drug reactions: weight gain, double vision, hepatotoxicity
Capsules: 250mg, 500mg
Dilantin
Generic name: phenytoin
Hydantoin
Decrease firing of neurotransmitters
Treatment of generalized (tonic-clonic) seizures, partial seizures, status epilepticus (injection required)
Adverse drug reaction:
-Hirsutism: excessive growth of body hair
-Gingival hyperplasia: excessive growth of gum tissue
-Women taking phenytoin while pregnant have increased risk of having
baby with cleft palate
Tablets: 50mg
Capsules: 30mg, 100mg
Epival
Generic name: divalproex sodium
Valproate
Broad spectrum= effective against all types of seizures
Enhance actions of GABA
Adverse drug reaction: weight gain, double vision, hepatotoxicity
Enteric coated tablets: 125mg, 250mg, 500mg
Keppra
Generic name: levetiracetam
Broad spectrum anti-seizure drug
Treatment of generalized (tonic-clonic) and focal (partial seizures)
Tablets: 250mg, 500mg, 750mg
Lamictal
Generic name: lamotrigine
Broad spectrum anti-seizure drug
Treatment of generalized (tonic-clonic) and focal (partial seizures)
Tablets: 25mg, 100mg, 150mg
Mysoline
Generic name: primidone
Barbiturate
Enhance binding of GABA
Treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures
Adverse drug reactions: sedation, confusion, hypotension, tolerance, dependence
Tablets: 125mg, 250mg
Tegretol
Generic name: carbamazepine
Iminostilbene
Treatment of generalized and complex focal seizures
Also used to treat neuropathic pain
CR tablets: 200mg, 400mg
Chewable tablets: 100mg, 200mg
Auxiliary labels: avoid grapefruit, take with food
