Antiepileptic Drugs
Which antiepileptic drug has a black box warning for SJS and TEN?
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
What is the primary neurotransmitter deficit in Alzheimer’s disease?
Acetylcholine
What is the MOA of carbidopa/levodopa?
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain; carbidopa prevents peripheral conversion
Which alpha-blocker is associated with orthostatic hypotension?
Prazosin
Which beta blocker is cardioselective?
Metoprolol
What lab abnormalities are associated with carbamazepine?
Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia
Which medication is a glutamate receptor antagonist used in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s?
Memantine
What are important counseling points for levodopa administration?
Take on empty stomach, avoid high-protein meals
What is the primary effect of alpha-1 receptor antagonism?
Vasodilation
Which adrenergic agent might cause tachycardia in asthma treatment?
Beta agonists like albuterol
Which antiepileptic drug should be avoided in women planning pregnancy due to teratogenicity?
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Which class of drugs provides modest cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s?
Cholinesterase inhibitors
What are common side effects of carbidopa/levodopa?
Nausea, orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesia
Which adrenergic agonist increases the risk of asthma-related deaths when used alone?
Salmeterol
Why should beta blockers not be stopped abruptly?
To avoid rebound hypertension or angina
Why might lamotrigine levels decrease during pregnancy?
Increased clearance during pregnancy
What are common side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Nausea, diarrhea, bradycardia, insomnia
What neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine
Which OTC drug is restricted due to methamphetamine synthesis?
Pseudoephedrine
How does metoprolol relieve angina symptoms?
By reducing myocardial oxygen demand
What is the mechanism of action of Gabapentin?
Binds to calcium channels and modulates neurotransmitter release
How does donepezil help patients with Alzheimer’s disease?
It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels
What is a common reason for initial delay in starting dopamine agonists in Parkinson’s patients?
To avoid worsening hallucinations and hypotension in elderly patients
Which medication is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat hypertension and sometimes ADHD?
Clonidine
What is the mechanism of action of propranolol?
Non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker; blocks both β1 and β2 receptors