Question

Discuss medications to treat seizures. What specifically should patients be taught about seizure medications to prevent adverse side effects?

Answer 1

Medications to treat seizures

• Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is a carboxamide. It decreases seizure activity by reducing the sodium and calcium ion stream into the neuronal membranes

• ​​​​​​​Clonazepam

​​​​​​​A benzodiazepine that hinders the nerve impulse transferral in the motor cortex and represses abnormal discharges.

• Gabapentin

It is a GABA analog that helps to reduce seizure activity by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid.

• Phenobarbital

It is a barbiturate that increases gamma-aminobutyric activity by connecting with the GABA receptor.

• Phenytoin

An NMDA receptor blocker that reduces calcium and sodium ion stream into the neurons and makes steady the neuronal membranes

• Zonisamide

A Sulfonamide that blocks sodium and calcium channels thereby concealing the neuronal hyper synchronization.

• Valproic acid

It increases the gamma-aminobutyric acid thus reducing seizures.

PATIENT TEACHING

• Advice the patient to check the plasma levels of the medication regularly to prevent adverse effects.
• .Be aware of side effects caused by different medications as it will vary according to the medications.