Anticonvulsant Medications: Uses and Adverse Reactions

A patient taking carbamazepine (Tegretol) is exhibiting edema and increased blood pressure. Which of the following mechanisms is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?

A patient is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin). What common adverse effect requires diligent oral hygiene to manage?

A patient who has been taking an anticonvulsant reports experiencing double vision. Which of the following adverse reactions is the MOST likely cause?

Why is combining anticonvulsants with alcohol particularly dangerous?

Which of the listed anticonvulsants is also commonly used to treat neuropathic pain?

A patient is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan) before surgery. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this medication in the pre-anesthetic setting?

Which of the following is a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction associated with lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

What is the MOST important consideration regarding anticonvulsant use during pregnancy?

A patient with a history of bipolar disorder and seizure disorder is being treated with valproic acid. During a routine check-up, the patient reports persistent nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following is the MOST critical initial diagnostic step?

A pregnant patient with a pre-existing seizure disorder requires anticonvulsant therapy. Considering the teratogenic potential of many anticonvulsants, which agent, used judiciously and with appropriate monitoring, may be considered the LEAST teratogenic?

A patient is admitted to the emergency department experiencing status epilepticus. After administering the initial dose of diazepam, which of the following interventions is MOST critical in preventing respiratory depression and ensuring patient safety?

A patient on carbamazepine develops SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion). Beyond fluid restriction, which of the following pharmacological interventions would MOST directly address the underlying mechanism of carbamazepine-induced SIADH?

An elderly patient with a history of renal impairment is prescribed gabapentin for neuropathic pain. What adjustments to the dosing regimen are MOST critical to prevent adverse effects?

A patient is started on lamotrigine and develops a rash. Which clinical feature would MOST strongly suggest that the rash is progressing towards Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), necessitating immediate discontinuation of the medication?

A patient on long-term phenytoin therapy exhibits signs of cerebellar dysfunction. Which of the following mechanisms BEST explains this adverse effect?

Which of the following laboratory findings would be MOST concerning in a patient taking carbamazepine and warrant immediate discontinuation of the drug?

A patient with a known seizure disorder and comorbid depression is being considered for anticonvulsant therapy. Which of the following anticonvulsants may offer dual benefits, potentially addressing both conditions?

A patient who has been successfully managed on Phenobarbital for years now requires a new medication to manage severe pain. What consideration regarding drug metabolism is MOST critical when adding opioid analgesics to this patient's regimen?

Anticonvulsant Medications

Status Epilepticus

Valium

CNS Depressant

Common Adverse Reactions of Anticonvulsants

Gingival Hyperplasia

Tegretol (Carbamazepine) Uses

Lyrica (Pregabalin)

Anticonvulsants

Common Side Effects

Serious Adverse Reactions

Phenobarbital

Dilantin

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Benzodiazepines

Valproic Acid (Depakote)

Magnesium Sulfate