Antiepileptics
Medication class detail with safety cues and nursing action focus.
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.
Individual drug cards
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Ataxia and nystagmus can indicate toxicity.
AntiepilepticHydantoin anticonvulsant
Valproate / divalproex (Depakote)
Abdominal pain plus vomiting can signal pancreatitis.
AntiepilepticMood stabilizer
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Airway and breathing concerns override anxiety symptoms.
BenzodiazepineAnxiolytic
Related study cards
Shows conditions, glossary terms, Drive entities, and source-linked cards connected to this medication class.
Drugmedication class
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Airway and breathing concerns override anxiety symptoms.
Drugmedication class
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Ataxia and nystagmus can indicate toxicity.
Drugmedication class
Valproate / divalproex (Depakote)
Abdominal pain plus vomiting can signal pancreatitis.
Conditionmedication safety
Seizure disorder
Aura, tonic-clonic movement, postictal confusion.
Conditionmedication safety
TBI
Battle sign, raccoon eyes, CSF leak.