Antiepileptics

Question 1

phenobarbital (barbituates)

Answer 1

• *prevents tonic-clonic seizures

- AE’s: sedation (lethargy), paradoxical restlessness, dizziness, drowsiness

Question 2

carbamazepine

Answer 2

• *know to use 4-12 mcg/mL
• treats: seizures, nerve pain, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness)
• AE’s: nausea, HA, dizziness, unusual eye movements, visual changes, rash, abd pain, abn gait
• *NO GRAPEFRUIT

Question 3

phenytoin

Answer 3

• *10-20 mcg/mL
• slow IV push – can cause irritation
• DO NOT exceed 50 mcg/ min
• Treats: seizures; anticonvulsant

-AE’s: gingival hyperplasia (LT use); acne; hirsutism; Dilantin facies; osteoporosis, nystagmus, ataxia, drowsiness, rash, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis

**known to depress atrial and ventricular conduction, causing slowing of the heart. People who have bradycardia or an AV block, need to be monitored closely because it can drop the pt’s slow heart rate even more, causing cardiac arrest.

Question 4

gapapentin

Answer 4

• treats: seizures, restless leg syndrome, pain from shingles
• AE’s: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, visual / speech changes, edema

Question 5

valporic acid

Answer 5

• treats: seizures, mood disorders, prevents migraines
• anticonvulsant
• AE’s: hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, drowsiness, weight gain, N / V / GI upset
• *NO CARBONATED drinks