Anxiety
This class of meds intensifies the effects of GABA and is rarely used now for anxiety due to its risk of sedation and dependency/abuse.
What are barbiturates?
Class of antidepressants usually first line in treating depression.
What are SSRIs?
Bipolar disorder can be characterized by alternating episodes of:
What are mania and depression?
Name a non pharmacological treatment for insomnia.
What is sleep hygiene?
This is the prototype CNS stimulant drug for the treatment of ADHD.
What is methylphenidate (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta)?
This medication is the prototype for benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety.
What is lorazepam (Ativan)?
This class of antidepressants is known for its drug-drug and drug-food interactions.
What are MAOIs?
This medication for bipolar disorder can become toxic if a patient becomes dehydrated and loses too much sodium.
What is lithium?
Name 2 classes of meds that can be used to treat insomnia.
What are sedatives, CNS depressants, barbiturates, or antidepressants?
Name 2 side effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin).
What is insomnia, nervousness, appetite suppression (anorexia), seizures, dysrhythmias?
Name one thing a nurse should assess when a patient is taking benzodiazepines.
CNS depression, respiratory depression, dependence/addiction, risk for falls, memory impairment, dizziness
Name 2 tyramine containing foods that should be avoided while taking MAOIs?
What are avocados, smoked salmon, yeast, chocolate, beer, cured meat?
Name 2 symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder.
What is impulsivity and flight of ideas, decreased need for sleep, grandiose?
Patients taking this medication may experience sleepwalking, sleep eating, or sleep driving.
What is zolpidem (Ambien)?
This is the non stimulant medication that can be used to treat patients with ADHD.
What is Strattera?
Name 2 groups of antidepressants that can be used to treat anxiety.
Any 2: TCAs, MAOIs, SSRIs, Atypical Antidepressants
This is the most important thing to assess when a patient first starts on antidepressant therapy.
What is SI (suicidal ideation)?
Other than lithium, name another medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
What is valproic acid (Depakote)?
This may happen when a long term sedative-hypnotic drug is d/c'd.
What is rebound insomnia?
This is the time you can give the last dose of a stimulant medication.
What is 4 PM?
Name the potentially life threatening condition that can occur when 2 serotonergic drugs are taken together.
What is serotonin syndrome?
An overdose of this class of antidepressants can cause deadly arrhythmias.
What are TCAs?
Name one of the meds used for bipolar disorder that needs blood level monitoring.
What is lithium or valproic acid (Depakote)?
T/f: Insomnia may be caused by anxiety.
What is true?
Name 2 things you would monitor on a patient taking stimulant medication for ADHD.
What are mood changes, VS, weight, nutrition, dysrhythmias, lab tests (kidney & liver function)?