Drugs for Seizures

Question 1

carbamazepine

Answer 1

Na+ channel blocker

Question 2

valproate

Answer 2

Ca++ channel blocker, GABA agonist (inhibits GABA-T and targets succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase), Na+ channel blocker

Question 3

phenytoin

Answer 3

Na+ channel blocker

Question 4

topiramate

Answer 4

Na+ channel blocker

Question 5

lamotrigine

Answer 5

Na+ channel blocker

Question 6

zonisamide

Answer 6

Na+ channel blocker

Question 7

ethosuximide

Answer 7

Ca++ channel blocker

Question 8

vigabatrin

Answer 8

GABA agonist, inhibits GABA-T

Question 9

tiagabine

Answer 9

GABA agonist, helps GABA get backin presynaptic neuron via gat-1 transporter

Question 10

barbituates

Answer 10

GABA agonist, targets CL- channel

Question 11

benzodiazeprines

Answer 11

GABA agonist, targets CL- channel

Question 12

What are downsides of GABA agonists?

Answer 12

Too sedative an effect, pt can go into withdrawl, pt can build tolerance to them

Question 13

Why do some GABA agonists target GABA-T

Answer 13

Target GABA-T enzyme and you won’t have GABA being turned into succinic semialdehyde

Question 14

How do sodium channel blockers work?

Answer 14

Use-dependent block

Question 15

How do calcium channel blockers work

Answer 15

inhibit the spike-generating calcium currents by specifically blocking T type calcium channels