Antidepressants
This type of medication is typically first line for treating depression and consists of medications such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine
SSRIs
These movement disorders include tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia
Extrapyramidal symptoms
-Pam
What class of medications typically work quickly to reduce anxiety? Hint: there is a risk for dependency
Benzodiazepines
This SNRI is often used to treat neuropathic pain
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
A very common side effect of SSRIs that can impact patient adherence, particularly in younger patients.
Sexual Dysfunction
This anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer is also used for bipolar and seizures
Valproate (depakote)
This benzodiazepine is commonly used for anxiety and has the brand name of Xanax
Alprazolam
The patient is taking Venlafaxine for anxiety and asks “If I don’t like effects of this medication, can I stop it all in all?
No, tapering is necessary
This medication needs to be started low and slow due to the risk of developing a serious rash or Steven’s-Johnson Syndrome
Lamotrigine
Patients who take MAOIs such as Phenelzine should avoid foods high in what? Hint: foods like aged cheeses, cured meats or fermented foods contain this
Tyramine
Weight gain is most commonly associated with this antipsychotic. Hint: this medication is often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and is known for causing sedation
Olanzapine
What three methods of administration are there for benzodiazepines
PO (oral), IV (intravenous), andIM (intramuscular)
This medication is a beta-blocker and is often used off-label for treating physical symptoms of anxiety such as tremors and tachycardia
Propranolol
Which TCA can be used to manage irritability associated with autism. Hint: it is also used to manage schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Risperidone (Risperdal)
This dangerous interaction can occur when combining SSRIs with other serotonergic medications like Tramdol or Linezolid
Serotonin syndrome
A patient taking lithium should maintain a consistent intake of this electrolyte
Sodium
This serious risk occurs when you combine benzodiazepines and opioids or alcohol. Hint: What do benzodiazepines do that alcohol and drugs also do?
Respiratory Depression
A patient taking buspirone reports no relief of symptoms two days after starting the medication. What should you as the nurse educate the patient?
It takes a few weeks for the medication to become effective
What medication can help with EPS symptoms caused by antipsychotics like Haldol
Benadryl
This atypical antidepressant is also used for smoking cessation
Bupropion
This atypical antipsychotic requires regular monitoring of white blood cell counts
Clozapine (Clozaril)
This is the safest way to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine therapy
Tapering off
This herbal supplement sometimes is used for anxiety but can cause dangerous reactions with other medications
St. John’s Wort
A patient’s lithium level comes back at 0.3 mEq/L. What does the nurse conclude about this patients adherence to medication?
The patient is likely non-adherent