Mental Health Drugs

Mechanism of Action

100

Diazepam/Valium binds to __1___ causing ___2___

1. GABA receptor - calcium chloride complex

2. depressed neuronal function at multiple sites in the CNS

200

These two second generation antipsychotics _____ and _____ block receptors for _____

Clozapine and Olanzapine

Dopamine, serotonin, NE, histamine, ACh

300

This drug blocks reuptake of NE and serotonin and blocks ACh receptors. Can be used to treat neuropathic pain.

Amitriptyline

400

Phenelzine is a _____ drug and works by ______

MAOI

Inhibits monoamine oxidase, resulting in accumulation of various NTs in the body

500

This drug suppresses high frequency neuronal firing by blocking sodium channels; also suppresses calcium through T-type calcium channels and augments the inhibitory influence of GABA

Valproic Acid

Contraindications

100

When a patient starts taking an antidepressant, they should be monitored for _____

Suicidal behavior

200

This SSRI works by ______, and can be used for _____ in addition to major depression

1. Selectively blocking reuptake of serotonin to increase concentration in the synapse and produce CNS excitation

2. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

300

Because this drug can cause fatal agranulocytosis, patients taking drugs that suppress bone marrow function cannot take it

Clozapine

400

Patients taking Haloperidol (Haldol) should not be taking _____ drugs concurrently

Drugs that prolong QT intervals

500

This drug can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome and should not be taken during pregnancy

Venlafaxine

Adverse Reactions

100

The most dangerous adverse reaction of Amitriptyline

Cardiac toxicity

200

Patients taking Phenelzine will experience a hypertensive crisis if _____

If they consume excess dietary tyramine (beer, wine, cheese, any fermented foods)

300

Elevated levels of this drug can cause persistent GI upset, thirst, polyuria, lethargy, muscle weakness, slurred speech, fine hand tremors, confusion, tinnitus

Lithium carbonate (Carbolith)

400

Describe the symptoms of Serotonin syndrome. 

Agitation, confusion, disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, poor concentration, incoordination, hyperreflexia, excessive sweating, tremor, fever

500

Patients taking this drug _____ may experience ______, meaning they have impaired recall of events that take place after dosing. 

1. Diazepam (Valium)

2. Anterograde amnesia

Nursing Considerations

100

Monitor WBC, CBC, and ANC of patients taking this drug, ___1___ because it can cause __2____. ANC should be above _3____.

1. Clozapine

2. Fatal agranulocytosis

3. 2000

200

These two types of drugs should not be mixed

SSRIs and MAOIs

300

How long must a patient take an SSRI to feel the therapeutic effects?

Approximately 4 weeks

400

The antidote for benzodiazepines is called _____, and its one adverse effect is ______. 

Flumazenil

It can precipitate seizures

500

1. High potency first generation antipsychotics produce ______ (more or less) side effects than low potency first generation antipsychotics

2. ______ symptoms respond better than _____ symptoms to Haloperidol (Haldol) 

1. less

2. Positive, negative

Potpourri

100

Second generation antipsychotics are also known as ______

Atypical antipsychotics

200

Has the same mechanism of action as Diazepam (Valium) but instead causes _____

Reduced sleep latency and awakenings, can prolong sleep duration

300

Describe the mechanism of action of Venlafaxine

Blocks neuronal reuptake of serotonin and NE with a weak blockade on dopamine reuptake and increases 5-HT in the synapse

400

The therapeutic range of Lithium Carbonate (Carbolith) is ____

Below 1.5 (but above 0.5)

500

Lithium excretion is reduced when _____

When sodium levels are low