General Facts About Meds
oral, nasal, injection (IM or subQ), eye drops, topical
A common side effect of SSRI's (antidepressants) that can be relieved by drinking more water, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy
dry mouth
Stimulants can cause this vital sign to increase. It can feel like palpitations or fluttering in the chest
heart rate
Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and Effexor are medications used to treat this common mood disorder
depression
What is the category of medications you can get without needing a prescription from a doctor?
over-the-counter (OTC)
Name 8 things you would find on a prescription medication bottle's label
Who is it for, Med Name, dose, route, when you should take it, how often, description of what the med looks like, who prescribed it, name of pharmacy, pharmacy phone number
Because of this side effect, individuals who are starting a new medication are advised not to drive or operate dangerous machinery. This side effect is mainly associated with benxodiazepines
drowsiness, confusion, or lethargy
Because some medications can cause this to increase (hypertension) or decrease (hypotension), it is important check this vital sign regularly
blood pressure
Symptoms associated with this disorder (nervousness, restlessness, tension, etc.) are relieved by medications like hydroxyzine, Benadryl, Ativan
anxiety or panic disorders
List 3 different anti-depressant medications
Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor
What is the difference between a brand name and generic name of a medication? Give an example of a medication's two names
Tylenol and acetaminophen
Advil and ibuprofen
Prozac and fluoxetine
concerta and methylphenidate
Taking medications with food may help decrease this uncomfortable side effect
Nausea or upset stomach
You may have to do this test to check body functions and vitamin/electrolyte levels periodically while taking medications.
blood draw
guanfacine and clonidine are nonstimulant options used to treat this common mental health condition in children/adolescents
ADHD
List 2 medications that people can take to help them sleep
melatonin, Benadryl, trazodone
What does prn mean?
take medication as needed
This side effect is very rare, but resulted in the FDA issuing a black box warning on the use of SSRIs due to it's danger
suicide ideation
Because some substances can interact with prescription medications negatively, prescribers commonly order this test
Urine Drug Screen (UDS) or Urine Toxicology (UTox)
Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and odd behaviors are associated with this disorder and are treated with anti-psychotics
Schizophrenia
List 3 medications that can help treat ADHD
Adderall, Concerta, Guanfacine, Strattera
When someone says you should take a medication QHS what do they mean?
take every night at bedtime
What fruit should you avoid eating with most psychiatric medications to avoid increased risk of side effects?
Grapefruit
Prescribers sometimes order this test to monitor for any cardiac (heart) changes that taking a medication may cause
electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
This disorder, characterized by mood swings from severe depression to euphoria (mania), is often treated with mood stabilizers.
Bipolar disorder
List two medications that you might take as needed to treat anxiety
hydroxyzine, Benadryl, seroquel, gabapentin,