How does a drug holiday help pts taking Methylphenidate?
-- Drug free period maintains sensitivity to drug and reduces AEs
What should be monitored in children taking Methylphenidate?
-- Weight
What are "Triptans" used to tx?
Migraines
At the onset of migraine symptoms, 2nd dose can be taken 2 hours prior
(1) What is the concept of seizure threshold?
(2) What can lower the seizure threshold?
(If you get these correct, 200 more points will be added)!
(1) The level of stimulation of which your brain will have a seizure
(2) Seizure triggers
What are "Red Flags" that you should look for when educating pts about benzo use?
-- Suicidal thoughts
-- Hx of drug of abuse
What Benzo is used to tx sleepwalking in children?
-- Diazepam
What special route is used to give Baclofen?
-- Intrathecal pump
How long should a pt take Cyclobenzaprine? (think of PT)
No more than 2-3 weeks
What disorders are amphetamines prescribed for?
ADHD and Narcolepsy
What drug is used to tx benzo overdose?
-- Flumazenil
What are the symptoms of Benzo overdose?
--Somnolence
-- Confusion
-- Diminished reflexes
-- Coma
--Dilated pupils
-- hypoventilation
What is important safety consideration for pts taking muscle relaxants?
-- Education
-- Meds make pts drowsy
-- Risk for falls
-- Keep side rails up
-- Assist with ambulation
-- Bed alarm
-- Keep call button within reach
What is the black box warning for amphetamines?
High abuse potential!
What is abortive therapy related to triptans?
-- tx H/As that already have started
What are 6 common AEs of Benzos?
-- CNS changes
-- OD
-- Fall hazard
-- Potential for dependency
-- W/D if stopped abruptly
-- Rebound disinhibition when tapering
What is Zolpidme used for?
-- Induce sleep!
What is status epilepticus?
-- Life-threatening emergency characterized by clonic convulsion lasting for 5 minutes or longer.
-- W/ out relief: Hypotension, Hypoxia, and Cardiac dysrhythmias may occur.
-- Risk for permanent damage and/or death
-- Tx: Cardio/Resp support, Benzos: Lorazepam IV 0.1mg/kg Concurrent anti-epileptic
What benzo is most often used to tx Status Epilepticus?
-- Lorazepam
(1) What are the black box warnings associated with anti-epileptic drugs?
(2) How long does it take for anti-epileptics to reach therapeutic levels?
(If you get these correct, 100 more points will be added)!
(1) Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
(2) Weeks!!
What are 3 long-acting benzos?
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
What are 3 intermediate-acting benzos?
- Alprazolam (Xanex)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- temazepam (Restoril)
What are 2 short-acting benzos?
-- Midazolam (Versed)
-- Triazolam (Halcion)
What drugs are used as sleeping pills?
-- Eszoplicone
-- Zolpidem
-- Zaleplon
-- Ramelton
-- Suvorexant
What pt education should you provide to pts with a prescription for Benzos?
-- "Nervepills" and "Sleeping pills" relieve symptoms but do not cure the underlying problem
-- Try to identify and avoid factors that cause anxiety
-- Do not combine these drugs with other substances that depress the CNS (Don't take anxiety meds and sleeping pills)!!
-- Be sure to tell other healthcare professionals if taking a benzodiazepine
-- Do not perform tasks that require alertness: driving, bathing, operating machines
-- Store these drugs safely and do not share these drugs
-- DO NOT STOP THE DRUG ABRUPTLY. THEY MUST BE WEANED!
-- Follow instructions carefully and do not take too much