Chapter 6 Psychotropic
Benzodiazepines act on an inhibitory neurotransmitter to calm the CNS. Name the neurotransmitter.
GABA
Drugs used in addition to conventional medications are called what?
"complementary"
What is the term used to describe when a patient is taking 5 or more drugs OR when a patient is using any unnecessary drugs
Polypharmacy
Laxatives draw water into the GI tract from the surrounding tissues and increase urine output. What are two problems that can occur from using laxatives?
1. GI upset
2. overuse/dependence
What are substances used as as a substitute for conventional medications called?
alternative
What is the active ingredient in medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder?
Lithium
What are the 6 methods of medical marijuana administration?
-smoking
-vaporizing
-oral mucosal spray
-edibles
-tablet/capsule
-topical/transdermal
As we age, organs decrease in mass, blood supply, and activity. The decline in function of two specific organs results in decreased/ delayed drug elimination in older adults. What are they?
liver and kidney
antacids
True or false: The federal government does not recognize marijuana as an accepted form of medical treatment.
TRUE
Antidepressants have two mechanisms of action at the neuronal synapse. What do they do?
1. inhibit reuptake of neurotransmitters
2. decrease neurotransmitter breakdown
-both of these mechanisms allow norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine to linger in the synapse longer to bind to receptors
Large amounts of cannabis used for prolonged periods can result tolerance, craving, and dependence. What is this disorder called?
Cannabis Use Disorder
There was an inventory list created to identify medications that should be avoided or used with caution in geriatric patients. It is continuously being updated and revised. What is it called?
Beers List -created by Mark Beers in 1991
Explain how polypharmacy can be a "vicious cycle"
patient takes drugs> experiences side effects> identified as symptoms> more drugs are prescribed
Alzheimers results from the degeneration of acetylcholine-producing neurons. How do anti-Alzheimers medications work to restore cognitive function?
-inhibits acetylcholinesterase, so breakdown is of acetylcholine is inhibited and its effects are prolonged
Antidepressant use can result in a condition in which the CNS serotonin receptors are overstimulated. Symptoms include: increased BP/HR, hallucinations, shivering, sweating, agitation. Can be reversed but may be fatal if not addressed. What is it?
Serotonin syndrome
Herbs, supplements, and complementary/alternative medicines (CAMs) are not subject to FDA drug testing and approval. These substances are called ______.
nutraceuticals
At the beginning stages of osteoarthritis anti-inflammatory medications are not necessary. What is the first choice medication for reducing pain associated with OA?
acetaminophen
Antacids are used to neutralize HCL acid in the stomach and the active ingredient is always a base. What are the two bases used in antacids?
Carbonate or Hydroxide
Antipsychotic drugs treat a severe forms of mental illness called psychoses. A psychosis is caused by increased activity of _________. How do antipsychotics regulate this activity?
Dopamine; they block dopamine receptors (especially D2 receptors)
Sedative-hynotic drugs, like Benzodiazepine and Ambien, often cause serious adverse effects. List 3 of these.
-complex behaviors (sleepwalking/driving)
-falls! due to drowsiness
-amnesia
-tolerance and dependence
Cannabinoids are indicated to treat 3 musculoskeletal conditions. What are they?
1. Spasticity (especially in Multiple Sclerosis)
2. Seizures
3. Pain (cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic back pain, etc.)
Elderly patients are 2-3 times more likely to experience adverse drug effects. What are some strategies used by providers to prevent these effects? List all 5.
1. adequate evaluation
2. periodic re-evaluation of long term meds
3. early recognition of adverse effects
4. low and slow prescribing
5. education/communication
Angela arrived at the hospital with GI symptoms of indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. You suspect she has a gastric ulcer. What bacterium is often present in people with these ulcers?
Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
Tricyclics and MAO inhibitors are psychotropic medications that are indicated to treat what condition?
Depression