22 Questions
What is a crucial step in treating anticonvulsant toxicity?
Supporting the patient with respiratory equipment
What is a potential risk of taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy?
Congenital malformations
What do anticonvulsants inhibit in brain cells?
neurotransmission
Why should patients taking anticonvulsants inform their doctor about other medications?
To avoid interactions with anticonvulsants
What is believed to be the target of anticonvulsants?
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors
What is a recommended precaution when taking anticonvulsants in the long term?
Periodically examining the liver
How many types of anticonvulsants are mentioned in the text?
more than 7
What is a use of anticonvulsants?
Alleviating nerve pain
What is a potential consequence of stopping anticonvulsants suddenly?
Worsening of symptoms
What is an example of a barbiturate?
Phenobarbital
What is an additional treatment option for anticonvulsant toxicity?
Dialysis
What is a new generation antiepileptic mentioned in the text?
Levetiracetam
What is a use of Carbamazepine anticonvulsants?
Treating symptoms of mania and acute epileptic seizures
What happens in cases of spasm?
There is an increase in the production of neuronal cells
What is lamotrigine used to treat?
Cases of depression and prevent epileptic seizures
When do the effects of anticonvulsant medications typically appear?
After taking them for several weeks
What is the importance of doing periodic blood tests when taking anticonvulsant medications?
To monitor the potential damage to the liver and kidneys
What is a common side effect of anticonvulsant medications?
Dizziness
What is a characteristic of modern anticonvulsant medications?
They are mainly used to relieve nerve pain and have fewer side effects
How can side effects of anticonvulsant medications be avoided?
By starting with low doses and then gradually increasing them
Why is it important to adjust the dose of anticonvulsant medications in patients with impaired kidney function?
Because the kidneys excrete the medication from the body
What is a potential risk associated with anticonvulsant medications?
Suicidal thoughts and depression
Study Notes
Treatment for Anticonvulsant Toxicity
- Respiratory equipment is used to support the patient's breathing.
- Activated charcoal is used to treat toxicity.
- Dialysis may be necessary in some cases.
- Sodium bicarbonate may be used to treat toxicity.
General Advice for Using Anticonvulsants
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking anticonvulsants due to the risk of congenital malformations.
- The liver should be examined periodically to monitor for potential liver damage.
- Anticonvulsants can interact with other medications, including aspirin, so it's essential to inform the doctor about all medications and herbal remedies used.
- Avoid stopping anticonvulsants suddenly, as this can worsen symptoms.
Anticonvulsants Definition and Function
- Anticonvulsants inhibit the transmission of neurotransmitters along brain cells, preventing and treating convulsions.
- They work by acting on GABA and glutamate receptors.
Types of Anticonvulsants
- Carbamate
- Barbiturates
- Pyrrolidine
- Carbamazepine
- Levetiracetam
- Clonazepam
Classification of Anticonvulsants
- Barbiturates: Phenobarbital, Mephobarbit
- Hydantoins: Phenytoin sodium, ethotoin, mephenytoin
- Oxazolidine diones: Trimetghadione, Paramethadione
- Succinimides: Phensuximide, methsuximide, ethosuximide
- Urea and monoacyl ureas: Phenacemide, Carbamazepine
- Benzodiazepines: Clonazepam, Diazepam
- New generation of antiepileptics: Levetiracetam, Gabapentin, Felbamate, and Valproic acid
Uses of Anticonvulsants
- Treating and preventing epileptic seizures
- Alleviating nerve pain
- Treating bipolar disorders
- Treating depression
- Treating mania or paranoia
Side Effects of Anticonvulsants
- Periodic blood tests are necessary to monitor for liver and kidney damage and platelet reduction.
- Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, nausea, itching, and rash.
- These symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks of taking the medication.
- Modern medications like Gabapentin and Pregapalen have fewer side effects.
Toxicity of Anticonvulsants
- Poisoning can occur due to taking large doses, taking treatment for long periods, or misusing medication.
- Symptoms may include suicidal thoughts, depression, and swelling of the feet.
Learn about the different treatments for anticonvulsant toxicity, including the use of respiratory equipment, activated charcoal, dialysis, and sodium bicarbonate. Also, discover general advice for using anticonvulsants, especially for pregnant women.
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