QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Beta-receptors are responsible for activating the sympathetic nervous system, whilst alpha-receptors are responsible for activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Antagonising the alpha receptors increases the release of hormones such as serotonin and noradrenaline. This has nothing to do with the excitation of neurones, and would not be appropriate for the treatment of epilepsy, in which you see an inappropriate increase in neurone excitation.
10001763
b
Mirtazapine (Alpha receptor antagonist)
QuestionChoice
Epilepsy is a disorder diagnosed when someone has more than 2 unprovoked seizures - this is thought to be caused by increased neurone excitability.

Lamotrigine binds to voltage-gated sodium channels and inhibits them, preventing neurone excitation (sodium influx initiates action potentials in neurones).
10001762
a
Lamotrigine (inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels)
QuestionChoice
Serotonin does not affect nerve excitation - therefore, Ondansetron does not help in the management of epilepsy.
10001766
e
Ondansetron (serotonin 5-HT3 receptor blocker)
QuestionChoice
Amphetamines increase monoamines in the brain, which increases the excitability of neurones in the brain - this is the opposite of what we want, as epilepsy itself is due to overexcitation of these neurones, leading to unprovoked seizures.
10001765
d
Amphetamines (increases excitatory neurotransmission)
QuestionChoice
Epilepsy is characterised by an overexcitation of neurones. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which does not affect nerve excitation - it controls other neurological functions such as mood, appetite and sleep.
10001764
c
Pizotifen (serotonin (5-HT2) receptor antagonist)
Concept
Chapter
2693
3749
Epilepsy
Topic
141
Neurology
12899
Which of the following drugs would be appropriate for the treatment of epilepsy?
a