Drugs for Anxiety Disorders
The class of drugs typically used to treat anxiety and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Examples: Lorazepam (Ativan), Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Class of drugs used to treat seizure disorders and act as a mood stabilizer.
Anticonvulsants
Examples: Valproate (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Common first line of treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Somatic Symptom Disorders
SSRIs and SNRIs
Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac)
First line of treatment for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Psychosis
Atypical Antipsychotics
Examples: Quetiapine (Seroquel), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Class of drugs that is used to control high BP and also for performance related anxiety or panic attacks.
Beta-Blockers
Examples: Propranolol (Inderal), Atenolol (Tenormin)
Medication known as the gold standard for treating Bipolar Disorder.
Lithium - Mood Stabilizer
Major side effects of SNRIs
Major Side effects: nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Some individuals may also experience headaches, dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue.
Major side effects of atypical antipsychotics
Major Side Effects: Weight gain, sedation, metabolic syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), orthostatic hypotension
The class of drugs typically used to treat anxiety disorders and/or depression.
SSRIs - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Class of drugs used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder, but also used to treat schizophrenia.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Examples: Quetiapine (Seroquel), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Important patient education points for SNRIs and SSRIs
Can take up to 4 weeks to have an effect. Can worsen suicidality, monitor for SI. Do not stop taking abruptly, taper off. May cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Definition of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of movement-related side effects caused by certain medications, particularly antipsychotics. These symptoms can include involuntary muscle contractions, stiffness, tremors, and restlessness. They arise from the medication's impact on the extrapyramidal system, which regulates posture and muscle tone.
Examples: Akathisia, Dystonia, Parkinsonism, Tardive Dyskinesia
Major side effects of benzodiazepines.
Major Side Effects: Sedation, dizziness, confusion, respiratory depression (at high doses), dependence, tolerance, rebound anxiety
Nursing Considerations for a Patient on Lithium
Monitor serum levels (0.6–1.2 mEq/L), kidney function, thyroid levels, avoid dehydration
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Examples of Typical (first generation) antipsychotics
Haloperidol (Haldol), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Fluphenazine (Prolixin), Perphenazine (Trilafon), Thiothixene (Navane), Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Major side effects of SSRIs
Major Side Effects: Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, serotonin syndrome, increased anxiety initially
Signs of Lithium Toxicity
Toxicity signs: N/V/D, confusion, ataxia, slurred speech, seizures
Drug that can treat depression, insomnia, and improve appetite. Classified as a Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic antidepressant
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Common types of medications used to prevent and treat EPS with antipsychotics
Anticholinergics (Benztropine) and Antihistamines (Benadryl)