Albeez Flashcards
(114 cards)
Are drugs use to treat Bipolar Disorder by stabilizing the client’s mood
Mood-Stabilizing Drugs / Mood Stabilizers
These drugs help prevent or minimize the highs and lows that characterize bipolar illnesses and treating acute episodes of mania
Mood Stabilizers
As a mood stabilizer, it is the most established drug of choice
Lithium
Other than lithium, these are also used as effective mood stabilizers
Anticonvulsants;
e.g. CLONAZEPAM (Klonopin)
These are the two other mood stabilizers that inhibit the Kindling Process (High Manic Mode)
- CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol)
- VALPROIC ACID (Depakote, Depakene)
These are mood stabilizers that can be used on patients with Hx of Epilepsy
Anticonvulsants;
e.g. TOPIRAMATE (Topamax)
These mood stabilizers are known to Increase the Levels of Inhibitory Neurotransmitters — GABA
VALPROIC ACID (Depakote, Depakene)
TOPIRAMATE (Topamax)
Lithium is available in what forms?
Tablet
Capsule
Liquid
Sustained Release Forms
NOTE: No Parenteral Form available
Give 2 examples of Anticonvulsants used as Mood Stabilizers:
- CLONAZEPAM (Klonopin)
- TOPIRAMATE (Topamax)
Give 3 examples of Anticonvulsants used as Mood Stabilizers
- GABAPENTIN (Neurontin)
- LAMOTRIGINE (Lamictal)
- OXCARBAZEPINE (Trileptal)
Lithium level is monitored through what?
Blood; Assessing the client’s response to the medication
The normal Serum Lithium level in the Blood
0.5 mEq/L to 1.5 mEq/L
Above what level of Serum Lithium is considered toxic?
Above 1.5 mEq/L
Serum Lithium levels should be monitored every ____ days while ____ ____ is being determined
2-3 Days;
Therapeutic Dosage is being determined
After monitoring Serum Lithium levels for 2-3 days, what frequency must it then be monitored?
Weekly
Once a patient’s condition is stable involving Lithium Therapy Tx, considering having closely monitored every 2-3 days then weekly, what frequency comes next?
Checking once a Month
Carbamazepine is initially started on what dose range?
100-200 mg/day
What is the usual dosage of Carbamazepine?
800-1200 mg/day
Maximum dosage of Carbamazepine
200-2000 mg/day
Carbamazepine tablets usually come in what milligrams
200 mg
Serum level of Lithium is obtained __ hours after __ dose
12 Hours after LAST Dose
Common Side Effects of Lithium Therapy
- Mild Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Fine Hand Tremors
The common side effects of Lithium Therapy can be controlled by what medication?
Propanolol (Beta Blockers)
What do we include in our Patient Teaching when it comes to Lithium Therapy; this is regarding fluids
Limit fluid intake to ensure the therapeutic effect of the medication; But Remain Hydrated adequately to prevent Lithium Toxicity
This is because increased water/fluid intake can Dilute the Lithium, reducing its supposed therapeutic effect; Dehydration may lead to Lithium Toxicity