Antiseizure Medications

Question 1

The difference between simple partial and complex partial is that _________________.

Answer 1

simple partials entail preservation of consciousness

Question 2

_____________ blocks the calcium-mediated release of glutamate.

Answer 2

Levetiracetam (though this mechanism is mostly unknown)

Question 3

What drug is first-line treatment for tonic-clonic seizures?

Answer 3

Levetiracetam

Question 4

Which antiepileptic is not metabolized by CYP?

Answer 4

Levetiracetam

Question 5

What should be your approach to status epilepticus?

Answer 5

(1) Give a benzodiazepine.
(2) If that doesn’t work, then add phenytoin.
(3) If that doesn’t work, add phenobarbital.
(4) If that doesn’t work, add pentobarbital or propofol.

Question 6

The key feature for simple partial seizures is _________________.

Answer 6

preservation of consciousness

Question 7

The main drug used for partial seizures is ___________. What are some alternatives?

Answer 7

carbamazepine; phenytoin, gabapentin, pregabalin, vigabatrin, tiagabine, levetiracetam, or lamotrigine

Question 8

One of the big advantages of oxcarbazepine is _______________.

Answer 8

that it doesn’t induce the CYP system

Question 9

_________________ is the drug of choice for tonic-clonic seizures.

Answer 9

Valproic acid

Question 10

Why is clonazepam used in seizures more often than the other benzodiazepines?

Answer 10

Because clonazepam also blocks T-type calcium channels

Question 11

Neonatal status epilepticus should be treated with _____________.

Answer 11

phenobarbital