Page 2072 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Flumazenil reverses the effects of

benzodiazepines. It should not be administered to
clients with increased intracranial pressure or status
epilepticus who were treated with benzodiazepines,
because these problems may recur with reversal.
G. Succinimides: Ethosuximide, methsuximide
1. Succinimides are used to treat absence seizures.
2. Side and adverse effects
a. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
b. Blood dyscrasias
H. Valproates: Valproic acid, divalproex sodium
1. Valproates are used to treat tonic-clonic, partial, and
myoclonic seizures.
2. Side and adverse effects
a. Transient nausea, vomiting, and
indigestion
b. Sedation, drowsiness, and dizziness
c. Pancreatitis
d. Blood dyscrasias: Decreased platelet
count and decreased white blood cell
count
e. Hepatotoxicity
I. Iminostilbenes

1. Iminostilbenes are used to treat seizure

disorders that have not responded to other
anticonvulsants (Box 59-7).

2. Iminostilbenes are also used to treat trigeminal

neuralgia.
3. Side and adverse effects
a. Drowsiness
b. Dizziness
c. Nausea and vomiting, dry mouth
d. Constipation or diarrhea
e. Rash
f. Visual abnormalities
g. Blood dyscrasias, agranulocytosis
h. Headache
V. Central Nervous System Stimulants
A. Description
1. Amphetamines and caffeine stimulate the cerebral
cortex of the brain (Box 59-8).
2. Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse.
3. Analeptics and caffeine act on the brainstem and
medulla to stimulate respiration.
4. Anorexiants act on the cerebral cortex and

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