Anticonvulsant Toxicity Treatment and Precautions

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Questions and Answers

What is a crucial step in treating anticonvulsant toxicity?

Prescribing anticonvulsants to pregnant women without doctor's consultation

Administering aspirin to counteract the effects

Stopping the anticonvulsant medication immediately

Supporting the patient with respiratory equipment (correct)

What is a potential risk of taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy?

Liver damage

Respiratory failure

Growth acceleration

Congenital malformations (correct)

What do anticonvulsants inhibit in brain cells?

neurotransmission (correct)

brain waves

cell growth

neuronal movement

Why should patients taking anticonvulsants inform their doctor about other medications?

To avoid interactions with anticonvulsants Signup and view all the answers

What is believed to be the target of anticonvulsants?

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended precaution when taking anticonvulsants in the long term?

Periodically examining the liver Signup and view all the answers

How many types of anticonvulsants are mentioned in the text?

more than 7 Signup and view all the answers

What is a use of anticonvulsants?

Alleviating nerve pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of stopping anticonvulsants suddenly?

Worsening of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a barbiturate?

Phenobarbital Signup and view all the answers

What is an additional treatment option for anticonvulsant toxicity?

Dialysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a new generation antiepileptic mentioned in the text?

Levetiracetam Signup and view all the answers

What is a use of Carbamazepine anticonvulsants?

Treating symptoms of mania and acute epileptic seizures Signup and view all the answers

What happens in cases of spasm?

There is an increase in the production of neuronal cells Signup and view all the answers

What is lamotrigine used to treat?

Cases of depression and prevent epileptic seizures Signup and view all the answers

When do the effects of anticonvulsant medications typically appear?

After taking them for several weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of doing periodic blood tests when taking anticonvulsant medications?

To monitor the potential damage to the liver and kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of anticonvulsant medications?

Dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of modern anticonvulsant medications?

They are mainly used to relieve nerve pain and have fewer side effects Signup and view all the answers

How can side effects of anticonvulsant medications be avoided?

By starting with low doses and then gradually increasing them Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with anticonvulsant medications?

Suicidal thoughts and depression Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

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.