Anti-epileptic

Question 1

mechanism of antiepileptic meds

Answer 1

too much electrical activity in the brain; several categories of seizures

two main: partial/focal, generalized

Question 2

anti-epileptic medications

Answer 2

slow down CNS

phenytoin
carbamazepine
lamotrigine
valproic acid
levetiracetam

abrupt cessation is cause for a seizure

Question 3

levetiracetam

Answer 3

“LOVE” b/c it has less side effects

Question 4

phenytoin

Answer 4

narrow therapeutic index; “keep pheny b/w 10 and 20”

side effects:
gingival hyperplasia "fin gums"
hirsutism
skin rash
vitamin D and K interference
teratogen

IV infiltration causes purple glove

Question 5

valproic acid

Answer 5

take w/food to avoid GI upset

hepatotoxic; monitor LFTs and watch for JAUNDICE

Question 6

lamotrigine

Answer 6

“go low and slow with lamotrigine” dosage

side effect:
stevens-johnson rash (fatal)

Question 7

epileptic pt given benzo for…

Answer 7

status epilepticus = seizure that will not stop

depresses CNS