Seizure Medications - Unit 3

Question 1

Carbamazepine - what does it do?

Answer 1

It’s a sodium channel blocker and enzyme inducing

Question 2

Carbamazepine - are there many drug interactions?

Answer 2

Yes - low levels with phenobarbital, dilantin and warfarin.

Question 3

What are some major side effects of Carbamazepine (Tegretol) ?

Answer 3

Most serious are decrease in RBC and WBC, SJS Skin rash, etc.

Question 4

Carbamazepine - what levels should we check?

Answer 4

Drug levels, liver function, rental function, RBC and WBC

Question 5

What is Carbamazepine (Tegretol) used for?

Answer 5

Complex partial and generalized seizures, bipolar disorder, trigeminal neuralgia

Question 6

Phenytoin (Dilantin) - what does it do?

Answer 6

Approved in 1939, it is a sodium channel blocker and enzyme inducing classification.

Question 7

Phenytoin (Dilantin) - what is it used for?

Answer 7

Generalized, complex partial and seizures after neurosurgery.

Question 8

What is the normal level for Phenytoin?

Answer 8

10-20

Question 9

Phenytoin - what are the levels elevated with (drug wise)?

Answer 9

Zoloft, Prilosec, alcohol intake, valium, amiodorone

Question 10

What is one of the biggest and most major side effects of Phenytoin (Dilantin) ?

Answer 10

Gingivitis Hyperplasia - which is bleeding gums, bad gums, etc. That’s why we need to provide great oral care for our patients who are on phenytoin.

Question 11

What is oxacarbazepine (Trileptal) used for?

Answer 11

Partial seizures and adjunct therapy for kids with partial seizures.

Question 12

What are some side effects of Oxacarbazepine?

Answer 12

Drowsiness, tiredness, etc.

Question 13

Oxacarbazepine - what big thing is it used for?

Answer 13

Status Epilepticus.

Question 14

What is gabapentin used for?

Answer 14

Partial Seizures/Neuropathic Pain

Question 15

What are some side effects of gabapentin?

Answer 15

Dizziness and ataxia

Question 16

What is vaproic acid used for?`

Answer 16

Generalized and partial seizures, and migraines as well.

Question 17

Valproic acid - should we use it for childbearing women and manic episodes?

Answer 17

NO

Question 18

What are some side effects of valproic acid?

Answer 18

Sedation, dizziness, weight gain, hepatotixicity, GI problems.

Question 19

What is Levetiracetam (Keppra) used for?

Answer 19

Generalized, also partial seizures.

Question 20

Keppra - where is it excreted?

Answer 20

In the kidney’s.

Question 21

Keppra - what are some side effects?

Answer 21

Dizziness, drowsiness - most widely used in the elderly because of less hepatic and renal problems.

Question 22

Depakote - what is it used for?

Answer 22

Absence, generalized, complex partial, myoclonic

Question 23

What are some side effects of depakote?

Answer 23

Drowsiness

Question 24

Klonipin - what is it used for?

Answer 24

Absence, generalized, status epilepticus