23
Antiseizure agents
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1.
Define the terms generalised seizure, tonic–clonic seizure, absence seizure, partial seizure and status
epilepticus.
2.
Describe the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse
reactions and important drug–drug interactions associated with each class of antiseizure agents.
3.
Discuss the use of antiepileptic drugs across the lifespan.
4.
Compare and contrast the prototype drugs for each class of antiepileptic drug with the other drugs in that
class and with drugs from the other classes.
5.
Outline the care considerations and teaching needs for people receiving each class of antiepileptic agents.
Glossary of key terms
absence seizure:
type of generalised seizure that is characterised by sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, sometimes with staring
or blinking for 3 to 5 seconds; formerly known as a petit mal seizure
antiepileptic:
drug used to treat the abnormal and excessive energy bursts in the brain that are characteristic of epilepsy
convulsion:
tonic–clonic muscular reaction to excessive electrical energy arising from nerve cells in the brain
epilepsy:
collection of various syndromes, all of which are characterised by seizures
generalised seizure:
seizure that begins in one area of the brain and rapidly spreads throughout both hemispheres
partial seizures:
also called focal seizures; seizures involving one area of the brain that do not spread throughout the entire organ
seizure:
sudden discharge of excessive electrical energy from nerve cells in the brain
status epilepticus:
state in which seizures rapidly recur; most severe form of generalised seizure
tonic–clonic seizure:
type of generalised seizure that is characterised by serious clonic–tonic muscular reactions and loss of
consciousness, with exhaustion and little memory of the event on awakening; formerly known as a grand mal seizure
Test your current knowledge of antiseizure agents with a PrepU Practice Quiz!
DRUGS FOR TREATING
GENERALISED SEIZURES
Hydantoins
phenytoin
Barbiturates and barbiturate-
like drugs
phenobarbitone
primidone
Benzodiazepines
clonazepam
diazepam
Succinimides
ethosuximide
Drugs that modulate the
inhibitory neurotransmitter
GABA
acetazolamide
sodium valproate
vigabatrin
zonisamide
DRUGS FOR TREATING PARTIAL
SEIZURES
carbamazepine
gabapentin
lacosamide
lamotrigine
levetiracetam
oxcarbazepine
pregabalin
tiagabine
topiramate
