1.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic range due
to what?: Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism, leading to lower levels de- spite
good compliance
2.
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine?: Dermatologic reac-
tions
1.
Steven's Johnson
2.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
3.
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine?: CBC
every 3-4 months because it can cause decreased WBC, decreased platelets, and trouble
with RBC
4.
What kind of teaching needs to be done with families of patients who have
seizure disorders?: Prevention is important, patient safety is important, Do NOT
abruptly stop taking medication.
5.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause what?: -
Blood dyscrasias
6.
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what electrolyte im-
balance?: Decreased sodium bicarb leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
7.
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect?: Normal
side effect is weight loss, especially in higher dose patients
8.
A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor what?: -
Don't get overheated. Topiramate may affect his ability to sweat in the heat.
9.
What should a pregnant patient be told about taking Valproate (De-
pakote)?: It is a known teratogen and category X medication. It should not be used in the
first trimester, it may be restarted in second trimester.
10.
What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used cau-
tiously in?: Heart Disease patients
11.
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with this
medication?: He should not use serotonergic drugs like Imitrex. Also, this class of
medication interacts with yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce, etc.
