Antiepileptics

Medication class detail with safety cues and nursing action focus.

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Neuroneeds review

Antiepileptics

Examples: levetiracetam, phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine, lorazepam

Mechanism

Calms abnormal neuronal firing so seizures are less likely to start or spread.

Used for

  • Seizure prevention
  • Status epilepticus rescue
  • Mood stabilization for some agents

Side effects

  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Ataxia
  • Gingival hyperplasia with phenytoin
  • Liver concerns for selected agents

Nursing actions

  • Maintain seizure precautions and pad side rails per policy.
  • Monitor respiratory status after benzodiazepines.
  • Teach not to stop chronic antiepileptics abruptly.

Hold / question cues

  • Respiratory depression
  • Toxic serum level when ordered
  • Severe rash

Antidote / reversal

  • flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines but may trigger seizures

NCLEX pearl

  • Protect the airway and protect from injury; do not restrain during seizure activity.