General Med Facts
Name 3 different routes or ways to take medication
oral (mouth), nasal, injection (IM or subQ), eye or ear drops, inhaled, topical/creams
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
This is the name of an individual brain cell
neuron
Name 5 things you would find on a prescription medication 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, expiration date
Drinking more water helps manage these side effects
headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness
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
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. They control everything from breathing, emotions, and more. Name one:
serotonin, dopamine, GABA, histamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate
What is the difference between "brand name" and "generic" medication? Give one example of a generic/brand pair
There is no difference in how they work. The brand name may cost more than generic.
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
This area of the brain is last to develop. It is in charge of planning, decision making, and personality. Many psych meds work in this area.
frontal lobe (prefrontal cortex exactly)
What is a PRN medication?
A medicine you take "as needed" for a condition like pain, anxiety, or sleep
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
suicidal 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
The neurotransmitter that plays a role in modulating anxiety, mood, sleep, and appetite
serotonin
Name a reason to talk to a prescriber or pharmacist before taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication or supplement
Not sure what helps your symptoms, already taking medications, underlying health conditions (like diabetes), pregnancy, or questions about how to take it
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
These medications increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system resulting in relief of ADHD symptoms
stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, etc)