Side effects
Constipation is a common side effect of many medications. List 3 tips for managing constipation.
Increase fluid intake.
Increase dietary fibre intake.
Increase physical activity.
Talk to your team about starting on a gentle laxative.
List one antipsychotic that is available in long-acting injections.
risperidone (Risperidal consta)
paliperidone (Invega Sustenna)
aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena)
flupentixol (Fluanxol)
zuclopenthixol (Clopixol)
haloperidol (Haldol)
List some examples of mood stabilizer medications.
Divalproex (Epival)
Lithium
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
What is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the unit?
Wash hands
Wear your mask properly
Don't touch face
Don't share products or food with others
Distance yourself
What substance does nicotine replacement replace?
Cigarettes
Who do you talk to when you experience a side effect from your medication?
Doctor
Nurse
Pharmacist
Be careful with looking on the internet for information on your medication
Some antipsychotics are available in long-acting injections that are given every 2 to 4 weeks. What is a benefit of long-acting injection antipsychotics?
Less risk of missing doses
Don't have to take a medication everyday
Antipsychotics can also help with mood stabilization. True or False?
True!
Why do we need regular bloodwork monitoring with clozapine?
To monitor white blood cell levels - specifically neutrophils
What substance was made legal in recent years that used to be an illegal drug?
Cannabis or Marijuana
List three possible side effects of antipsychotic medications.
Weight gain
Sedation
Constipation
This antipsychotic requires weekly blood work (for the first 6 months) to check White Blood Cell levels.
Clozapine
What are some medications and foods that can impact lithium levels?
NSAIDs (Advil, naproxen)
Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
Changing water intake
Changing salt intake
Caffeine
List 2 ways to remind you to take your medication.
Alarm clock
Blister packs
Family member
What are the names of 3 drugs that are often thought of as "illicit substances" or "street drugs"?
Heroin, Morphine, Cocaine, alcohol, ketamine, Ayahuasca, Central Nervous System Depressants, GHB, LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly), Methamphetamine, Over-the-Counter Medicines--Dextromethorphan (DXM), Prescription Opioids, Stimulants, Psilocybin,
Some medications can make us feel sleepy during the day. What can we do to help with this?
Take the medication before bedtime
Reduce dose (if possible)
Split dose
What are some reasons that people are prescribed antipsychotic medications?
Anxiety
Depression
To help with sleep
This mood stabilizer should not be given to women planning to get pregnant.
Divalproex or Valproic Acid
*Women of child-bearing potential are recommended to be on an effective form of birth-control before starting this medication
Some medications can cause increased appetite and weight. What are some things we can do to help maintain a healthy weight?
Eat a healthful diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
Exercise
Speak to a dietitian
Some medications can help with weight management
What medication can reverse an opioid overdose? Where can you get it?
Naloxone. It's free from any community pharmacy. You can even get one before you leave CAMH!
What does PRN mean? How does this help with side effects?
As needed. May see if you can have a prn to help with a side effect depending on the symptom.
What substance can interact with clozapine to reduce clozapine levels?
Cigarette Smoking
What is the name of the dog that comes to visit PRT 8?
Pebbles
What are some symptoms when someone has overdosed on an opioid?