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What liver enzymes need to be monitored when a patient is on Valproic Acid?
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Liver enzymes such as AST and ALT need to be monitored due to the risk of liver injury from Valproic Acid.
What does the 'Liver Lever' visual mnemonic symbolize?
The 'Liver Lever' symbolizes hepatotoxicity, highlighting the potential liver damage associated with Valproic Acid.
Why should Valproic Acid be avoided in pregnant women?
Valproic Acid should be avoided in pregnant women due to its teratogenic effects, which can cause birth defects such as neural tube defects.
What is the trade name for Valproic Acid?
The trade name for Valproic Acid is Depakote.
What are the major side effects of Valproic Acid?
Major side effects of Valproic Acid include hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity.
What does the 'Happy and Sad Masks' visual mnemonic represent in the context of Valproic Acid?
The 'Happy and Sad Masks' represent bipolar disorder, indicating the drug's use in managing both mania and depression.
What is the importance of monitoring liver enzymes in patients taking Valproic Acid?
Monitoring liver enzymes is crucial in patients taking Valproic Acid due to the risk of hepatotoxicity, which can lead to severe liver injury or failure.
What are the primary uses of Valproic Acid?
Valproic Acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat seizures and as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder.
How does Valproic Acid function as an anticonvulsant?
Valproic Acid functions as an anticonvulsant by blocking sodium channels and increasing GABA signaling.
How does Valproic Acid act as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder?
Valproic Acid acts as a mood stabilizer by modulating neurotransmitter signaling, particularly by enhancing GABA signaling, which helps stabilize mood swings in bipolar disorder.
What is the significance of the 'Anti-Shake Shocks' visual mnemonic?
The 'Anti-Shake Shocks' symbolize the anti-convulsant properties of Valproic Acid, indicating its role in providing smooth treatment of seizures.
Describe the broad spectrum nature of Valproic Acid as an anti-epileptic.
Valproic Acid is considered a broad spectrum anti-epileptic because it can treat various types of seizures including partial, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures.
What are the implications of Valproic Acid's teratogenicity in clinical practice?
The teratogenicity of Valproic Acid implies that it should be used with caution, especially in women of childbearing age, and is generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects.
What does the 'Tarantula' visual mnemonic represent?
The 'Tarantula' represents the teratogenic effects of Valproic Acid, indicating its potential to cause birth defects.
What types of seizures is Valproic Acid effective against?
Valproic Acid is effective against partial, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures.
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