Psychotherapeutic Dugs Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the two classes of Anxiolytic drugs?
1) Benzodiazepine
2) Buspirone
(T/F) Buspirone is always administered on a scheduled basis (not “as needed”).
True
Name two advantages that Buspirone has over Benzodiazepines.
1) Lacks sedative properties (doesn’t put u to sleep)
2) Lacks dependency properties (u won’t get addicted)
What are the 5 adverse effects of Buspirone?
1) Paradoxical anxiety
2) Dizziness
3) Blurred vision
4) Headache
5) Nausea
What is the indication of lithium?
Lithium is a “mood stabilizing drug” indicated for bipolar illness (mania, hypomania and depression).
For management of acute mania, what lithium serum level is usually required?
Acute Mania - 1 to 1.5 mEq/L
Longterm Maintenance - 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
When is the best time to measure blood levels of lithium?
Blood levels are best measured 8 to 12 hours after the last dose (roughly the midpoint of the drug half-life), because the half-life is usually between 18 and 24 hours.
What are the 4 contraindications to the use of lithium?
1) Dehydration
2) Sodium imbalance
3) Major renal disease
4) Major CV disease
Describe the Biogenic Amine Hypothesis
Theory that suggests depression results from a deficiency of NE and mania from an excess of NE.
Describe the Permissive Hypothesis
Theory that suggests depression results from decreases in both serotonin and NE levels, whereas mania results from increased NE levels but decreased serotonin levels.
Describe the Dysregulation Hypothesis
A theory that views depression and affective disorders as caused not simply by decreased or increased NE and serotonin activity but by failure of the brain to regulate the levels of these neurotransmitters.
What is the mechanism of action of Tricyclic Antidepressants?
TCAs work by blocking the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin and NE, which makes them available for transmission of nerve impulses to adjacent neurons in the brain.
What are the 3 indications of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?
1) Antidepressants
2) Neuropathic pain syndromes
3) Insomnia
what are the 4 indications to the use of TCAs?
1) Use of MAOIs within the previous 14 days
2) Pregnancy
3) Cardiac problems
4) Seizures
What are the 6 adverse effects of TCAs?
1) Constipation
2) Urinary retention
3) Cardiac conduction disturbances
4) Hypotension
5) Sedation
6) Sexual dysfunction
List 4 methods used to manage a TCA overdose.
1) Activated Charcoal - Reduces TCA absorption
2) Sodium Bicarbonate - Speeds up elimination of TCA by alkalinizing the urine.
3) Diazepam - Limits CNS damage
4) Antydysrhythmics - Controls cardiac dysrhythmias
What is the major disadvantage of MAOIs?
Their potential to cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with a substance containing Tyramine, which is found in many common foods and beverages.
How long does it typically take the Antidepressants (TCAs, MAOIs and SSRIs) to take effect?
4 to 6 weeks
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?
SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.
What are the 4 adverse effects of SSRIs?
1) Insomnia
2) Weight Gain
3) Sexual Dysfunction
4) Serotonin Syndrome
What are the mechanisms of action of the older Antipsychotic drugs and the newer Antipsychotic drugs?
1) Older Antipsychotics (Phenothiazines) - Blocks dopamine receptors in the CNS
2) Newer Antipsychotics (Conventionals) - Blocks dopamine2 and serotonin2 receptors in the brain.
What are the 6 contraindications to the use of Antipsychotics?
1) Coma
2) CNS depression
3) Brain damage
4) Liver or Kidney disease
5) Blood dyscrasias
6) Epilepsy
What are 4 the indications of Antipsychotics?
1) Psychotic Illnesses (i.e., schizophrenia, autism)
2) Anxiety
3) Antiemetic
4) Mood disorders
What are some of the adverse effects of Antipsychotics?
1) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
2) extrapyramidal symptoms
3) Tardive dyskinesia
4) Dystonia
5) Akathisia
