Lithium
Therapeutic Range
.8 - 1.2
What do you monitor when a pt is taking divalproex (Depakote)?
liver function
first line therapy for depression and anxiety
SSRIs
What can be done if the pt is suicidal or catatonic and requires rapid response?
ECT
Why are antidepressants a first line treatment for anxiety instead of antianxiety medications?
Less chance of dependency.
When is lithium carbonate contraindicated?
People with Renal Disease and pregnant women
What medication can cause rash-Stevens-Johnsons syndrome?
lamotrigine (Lamictal)
What are three side effects of SSRIs?
drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction
ECT is most effective with: (list three things)
major depression with psychotic symptoms, life threatening psychiatric conditions, treatment resistant depression, major depression with psychotic features, refractory to other treatments, bipolar I mania
TCA
What would you monitor for in a pt who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol)?
liver function and cbc
When are Tricyclic antidepressants contraindicated?
People w/ cardiac issues, hx of MI, hx of seizures, or pregnant women
List three somatic txs for depression
ECT, TMS, VNS
(electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation)
Sertraline and Fluoxetine are what class of med?
SSRI's
Expected side effects of lithium
fine hand tremors, polyuria, mild thirst, mild nausea, weight gain, goiter/ hypothyroidism
What medication is used to reduce impulsive behaviors and aggressive behaviors?
lamotrigine (Lamictal)
What med class can be lethal in overdose?
TCA's
List two non medicational/procedural treatments for depression.
light therapy and exercise
Medication class used to treat aggression, promote sleep, and decrease impulses. (addictive)
Benzo's
Signs of early toxicity of lithium
gi upset, coarse hand tremor, confusion, hyper irritability of muscles, sedation, incoordination
What anticonvulsant can cause weight gain and increase liver enzymes?
What medication class has strict dietary restrictions due to an inability to break down tyramine?
MAO'S
A procedure that is conducted to initiate a seizure and restart the brain.
ECT
What can be given/done if a pt is experiencing lithium toxicity?
gastric lavage, mannitol, urea, aminophylline, dialysis