GPAT - PGCET - GATE Material related to Epilepsy ( Seizures )

GPAT - PGCET - GATE Material related to Epilepsy ( Seizures )
Antiepileptic Drugs - For Quick Reference


What is Epilepsy ( or ) What are Epileptic drugs ( Seizures ) ?

Epilepsy - excessive electrical activity in the cerebral cortex; multiple causes


Goal to minimize incidents with limited dosage; polypharmacy may be needed


Pharmacodynamics:


• Reduce nerve cell excitability


• Depress or limit spread of activity


• Decrease nerve conduction




Seizure Types

Partial Seizures    - Confusion, repetitive motions, altered consciousness

Simple Seizures    - Aura, Motor symptoms, ANS responses, Personality changes


Complex Seizures - Decreased LOC, Aura, Tonic, Clonic, Tonic-Clonic


Generalized Seizures - Both Hemispheres involved; may range from petit mal to grand mal type activity




Side / Adverse Effects of Seizures :


CNS - CNS depression, ataxia, lethargy


GI - N/V/D, Pancreatitis


CV- Dysrythmias, Bone Marrow Suppression (anemias)


Skin  Effects   - dermatitis, erythema, lupus, gingival hyperplasia


Other  - Irregular menses, breast enlargement


Medication Types :

- Barbituates (phenobarbital) tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus



- Hydantoin (phenytion) tonic-clonic, partial seizures


- Benzodiazepines (diazepam) Status


- Succinimide (Zarontin) Absence


- Miscellaneous (Depakote) absence, myoclonic, tonic-clonic

 Toxicity of Seizures :


- Most meds are CNS depressants. Treat symptomatically, Support respirations


- Overdose of benzodiazepines can be reversed by Romazicon (high probability of seizures likely)


- Requires hospitalization to re-balance medications