Muscle Relaxants, Central Vs. Peripheral
- Decrease muscle tone without reducing voluntary power
- used in spastic chronic conditions, acute muscle spasms, tetanus
Centrally acting muscle relaxants
What is the antidote for an opioid overdose?
Naloxone (Narcan)
What are the two drugs for opioid analgesics?
-hydromorphone
How should you manage the anticholinergic effects of these meds?
- sugar free candy or gum
- sips of water
- fiber and fluids
- physical activity
What are the two primary uses of amphetamines?
ADHD & narcolepsy
- no effect on CNS
- used for short-term purposes (surgical operations)
Peripherally acting muscle relaxants
pinpoint pupils, opiate overdose
side effects of opioid analgesics include: (4)
- miosis
- constipation/urinary retention
- dependence/tolerance
- orthostatic hypotension
Beta-adrenergic blockers, Anticonvulstants, and Tricyclic antidepressants are all migraine and cluster headache _____ drugs.
prevention
Why would you want to take amphetamines in the morning?
If you take them at night, it will keep you up all night
- Tixanidine
- Methocarbamol
- Cyclobenzaprine
What should you avoid while taking opiates?
Alcohol, barbituates, benzodiazipenes, and anything that makes you more drowsy
What should you teach a patient taking opioid analgesics?
- take only as prescribed
- use for pain only
- do not drink alcohol
Analgesics, opioid analgesics, and selective serotonin receptor agonists are all migraine and cluster headache _____ medications
abortive
What information would you want to gather before administering amphetamines to a pt? (3)
- baseline weight
- hx of cardiac problems
- potential for abuse
What is the name of the peripherally acting muscle relaxant medication?
Nonpharmacological pain relief
What creates a higher risk when taking opioid analgesics? (4)
- sleep apnea/snoring
- morbid obesity
- older adults
- comorbitities
What are some things you should teach your patient if they are taking migraine & cluster headache medications?
- change positions slowly
- manage anticholinergic effects
- take medication in the evening
- avoid hazardous activities
What are some side effects of amphetamines? (5)
- increased alertness
- dry mouth
- weight loss
- cardiac problems
- hepatotoxicity
What are some side effects of muscle relaxants?
- drowsiness
- GI distress
- anticholinergic effects
What should you assess on a patient taking opiates? (5)
- vital signs
- LOC
- urine output/constipation
- pain level
- allergies
Why does snoring, sleep apnea, and morbid obesity create a higher risk for pts taking opioids?
It effects their breathing, and opioids cause respiratory depression already
Why should you take migraine and cluster headache medications in the evening?
The sedative effects of it can be dangerous when driving, operating machinery, etc.
Nursing considerations for amphetamines include: (4)
- take in the morning
- monitor labs (AST/ALT)
- vital signs & weight
- sleep