Anticonvulsants

Question 1

What is the primary action of anticonvulsants?

Answer 1

To prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures.

Question 2

Which of the following is a common generic name for a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant?

Answer 2

Lorazepam.

Question 3

True or False: Anticonvulsants can only be used for epilepsy.

Answer 3

False.

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin?

Answer 4

Stabilizes neuronal membranes and decreases seizure activity by inhibiting sodium channels.

Question 5

Name an adverse effect associated with valproate.

Answer 5

Hepatotoxicity.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Gabapentin is often used as an adjunct for __________ pain.

Answer 6

Neuropathic.

Question 7

What is a significant drug interaction concern with carbamazepine?

Answer 7

It can induce hepatic enzymes, affecting the metabolism of other drugs.

Question 8

Which anticonvulsant is known for causing weight gain?

Answer 8

Valproate.

Question 9

True or False: Lamotrigine can cause skin rashes that may progress to Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Answer 9

True.

Question 10

What is the primary contraindication for the use of ethosuximide?

Answer 10

Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Question 11

Which anticonvulsant is often used in the treatment of absence seizures?

Answer 11

Ethosuximide.

Question 12

What is the action of topiramate?

Answer 12

Inhibits excitatory neurotransmission and enhances inhibitory neurotransmission.

Question 13

Name a common adverse effect of lamotrigine.

Answer 13

Dizziness.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The drug __________ is known to cause cognitive impairment as a side effect.

Answer 14

Topiramate.

Question 15

What is a major concern when using phenobarbital?

Answer 15

Sedation and potential for dependence.

Question 16

True or False: All anticonvulsants are safe to use during pregnancy.

Answer 16

False.

Question 17

Which drug is classified as a new-generation anticonvulsant?

Answer 17

Lacosamide.

Question 18

What is the action of levetiracetam?

Answer 18

Modulates neurotransmitter release through binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A.

Question 19

Name one adverse effect of oxcarbazepine.

Answer 19

Hyponatremia.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: __________ is the generic name for the drug marketed as Keppra.

Answer 20

Levetiracetam.

Question 21

What is a common drug interaction with valproate?

Answer 21

Increased levels of lamotrigine.

Question 22

True or False: Gabapentin can be used for seizures and neuropathic pain.

Answer 22

True.

Question 23

Which anticonvulsant is known for causing sedation as a primary side effect?

Answer 23

Phenobarbital.

Question 24

What is the mechanism of action of zonisamide?

Answer 24

Inhibits sodium and calcium channels, and enhances GABA activity.

Question 25

Name a contraindication for the use of carbamazepine.

Answer 25

Bone marrow suppression.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: __________ is the preferred drug for generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Answer 26

Phenytoin.

Question 27

What is a significant adverse effect of pregabalin?

Answer 27

Peripheral edema.

Question 28

True or False: Anticonvulsants can have teratogenic effects.

Answer 28

True.

Question 29

Which drug is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to lamotrigine?

Answer 29

Lamotrigine.

Question 30

What is the action of clobazam?

Answer 30

It enhances the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor.

Question 31

Name an adverse effect of clobazam.

Answer 31

Somnolence.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: __________ is a common side effect of carbamazepine.

Answer 32

Dizziness.

Question 33

What is the mechanism of action of diazepam in seizure management?

Answer 33

Enhances GABA-A receptor activity.

Question 34

True or False: The efficacy of an anticonvulsant is not affected by its plasma concentration.

Answer 34

False.

Question 35

Which anticonvulsant is often used as a first-line treatment for partial seizures?

Answer 35

Carbamazepine.

Question 36

What is a major side effect of the drug vigabatrin?

Answer 36

Vision loss.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: __________ is used in the treatment of status epilepticus.

Answer 37

Lorazepam.

Question 38

What is the action of rufinamide?

Answer 38

Prolongs the inactive state of sodium channels.

Question 39

Name a contraindication for the use of vigabatrin.

Answer 39

Pre-existing vision abnormalities.

Question 40

True or False: All anticonvulsants are effective for all types of seizures.

Answer 40

False.

Question 41

What is a common side effect of the drug perampanel?

Answer 41

Aggressive behavior.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: __________ can be used to treat myoclonic seizures.

Answer 42

Levetiracetam.

Question 43

What is the mechanism of action of eslicarbazepine acetate?

Answer 43

Blocks sodium channels.

Question 44

Name an adverse effect of eslicarbazepine acetate.

Answer 44

Dizziness.

Question 45

True or False: Anticonvulsants can interact with hormonal contraceptives.

Answer 45

True.

Question 46

Which drug is contraindicated in patients with a history of hepatotoxicity?

Answer 46

Valproate.

Question 47

What is the action of felbamate?

Answer 47

Inhibits NMDA receptor and enhances GABA activity.

Question 48

Name a common side effect of felbamate.

Answer 48

Insomnia.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: __________ is a second-line treatment for absence seizures.

Answer 49

Lamotrigine.