Overview
I. Overview
A. Management
1. Epilepsy
2. Convulsions
II. Mechanism of Action
A. Alter movement of Na, K, Ca & Mg ions
B. Stabilized & cell membranes & make cells less responsive
C. Decrease excitability & responsiveness of brain neurons
III. Types
A. Status epileptics
1. Diazepam
2. Fosphenytoin
3. Lorazepam
4. Phenobarbital
5. Phenytoin
B. Antiepileptics
1. Carbamazepine
2. Valproic acid
3. Clonazepam
4. Levetiracetam
5. Pregabalin
6. Oxcarbazepine
7. Lamotrigine
IV. Indications
A. Prevention or control of seizure activity
B. Maintenance therapy for chronic recurring seizures
C. Acute treatment of convulsions
D. Status epilepticus
E. Epilepsy
V. Contraindications
A. Drug allergy
B. Pregnancy
VI. Interactions
A. Carbamazepine
1. Grapefruit juice
a. Increase levels
2. Warfarin
a. Decrease in half-life
B. Valproic acid
1. Barbiturates
a. Increase CNS depression
C. Gabapentin
1. Antacids
a. Decrease levels
VII. Side Effects
A. Carbamazepine
1. Agranulocytosis
a. Bone marrow suppression
i. Aplastic anemia
ii. Agranulocytosis
iii. Thrombocytopenia
2. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
3. Dysrhythmias
4. Thrombophlebitis
B. Valproic acid
1. Pancreatitis
2. Weight gain
3. Thrombocytopenia
C. Levetiracetam / Oxcarbazepine / Lamotrigine
1. Somnolence
2. Headache
3. Dizziness
D. Gabapentin / Pregabalin
1. Peripheral edema
2. N/V/D
3. Visual changes
Nursing Points
Therapeutic Management
Successful control of a seizure disorder hinges on selecting the appropriate drug class and drug dosage, the patient complying with the treatment regimen, and limiting toxicity.
Patient Education
Serum drug concentrations are useful guidelines in assessing the effectiveness of therapy. Maintaining serum drug levels within therapeutic ranges helps not only to control seizures but also to reduce adverse effects.
Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:
- Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
- Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
- Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
- Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
- Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.
For more information, visit www.nursing.com/cornell
