Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

Which medication is known for treating grand mal seizures and also used as a sedative?

1. Ritalin

2. Lithium

3. Luminal

4. Dilantin

The correct answer is: Luminal

Luminal, known generically as phenobarbital, is indeed used to manage grand mal seizures. It belongs to a class of medications known as barbiturates, which act as central nervous system depressants. This sedative effect makes it effective for seizure control, especially in patients who may not respond well to other treatments. Additionally, its sedative properties allow it to be utilized in certain situations where calming or sedation is required, further demonstrating its versatility in medical treatment. In contrast, Ritalin is primarily prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and works as a stimulant, while Lithium is mainly prescribed for bipolar disorder and acts as a mood stabilizer rather than a seizure medication. Dilantin, or phenytoin, is specifically used to treat seizures but does not have the sedative properties that Luminal possesses. This underscores Luminal's unique role in both seizure management and sedation compared to the other medications listed.