Depression & antidepressants
This black box warning is associated with nearly all antidepressants, particularly in child and adolescent populations
What is suicidal ideation
This class of medications reduce panic attacks by acting as a GABA agonist.
What are benzodiazepines
This type of bipolar disorder involves shifts between mania (at least 7 days) and depression
What is bipolar I disorder
This neurotransmitter is strongly associated with the hallucinations and delusions of schizophrenia.
What is dopamine
This screening tool is used to screen for and grade the severity of depressive symptoms.
What is the PHQ-9
A patient taking an antidepressant develops agitation, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, hyperreflexia, and hyperthermia. The nurse suspects this condition.
What is serotonin syndrome
This medication reverses the effects of benzodiazepines but can cause seizures, particularly in patients with epilepsy or chronic benzodiazepine use.
What is flumazenil
This antipsychotic medication can be used to treat acute manic episodes.
What is chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
A patient taking haloperidol develops severe muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and altered mental status. The nurse suspects this life-threatening reaction.
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrone
Schizophrenia symptoms can be divided into these three categories.
A patient taking amitriptyline reports dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. These effects are primarily caused by blockade of this neurotransmitter.
What is acetylcholine
This specific physical symptom profile—including palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, and a sudden fear of impending doom—is hallmark for this acute anxiety condition.
What is a panic attack (or panic disorder)
A coarse hand tremor, ECG changes, and confusion could be early signs of this medication complication
What is lithium toxicity
The first-generation antipsychotic haloperidol causes gynecomastia and galactorrhea because of its effect on this hormone.
What is inhibition of dopamine, leading to increased prolactin
A patient taking phenelzine eats aged cheese and develops a severe headache and dangerously elevated blood pressure. The nurse suspects this emergency.
What is hypertensive crisis
A patient taking fluoxetine should avoid this type of non-psychopharmacologic medication.
What is NSAIDs, antiplatelets, or anticoagulants
Abruptly stopping this medication can cause severe anxiety, tremors, vertigo, tachycardia, and tinnitus.
What is venlafaxine (Effexor), an SNRI
This symptom is characterized by an elevated or agitated mood that does not warrant hospitalization, but commonly shifts to depression over time.
What is hypomania
A patient taking an antipsychotic develops this potentially irreversible side effect characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the mouth and tongue.
What is tardive dyskinesia
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder likely goes beyond a simple deficiency in monoamines, and may include these mechanisms.
What are decreased neuroplasticity and HPA hyperfunction
This symptom of major depressive disorder refers to a loss of pleasure or interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
What is anhedonia
Unlike benzodiazepines, this medication for anxiety has little risk of dependence and takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect.
What is buspirone
A patient taking Lithium experiences polydipsia and polyuria due to this action of Lithium on the brain.
What is inhibition of antidiuretic hormone
Before administering clozapine, the nurse should assess this laboratory value.
What is WBCs/ANC
A patient taking clozapine develops fever, sore throat, and signs of infection. The nurse should be concerned about this serious adverse effect.
What is agranulocytosis