Substance Abuse Medications
This medication, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence and can also lead to dependency itself.
Suboxone
This class of medications is primarily used to treat depression and includes drugs such as fluoxetine and sertraline.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs work primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of this neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to increased levels in the synaptic cleft.
Serotonin
A common side effect associated with SSRIs that affects sexual function is known as what?
Sexual dysfunction
What non-opioid prescription medication is used to help alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal in adults, but does not treat opioid use disorder?
LUCEMYRA
This medication, often prescribed for alcohol dependence, works by causing unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed.
Antabuse
This antipsychotic medication is often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, known for its lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to older antipsychotics.
Risperidone
The mechanism by which buprenorphine alleviates withdrawal symptoms involves acting on this specific receptor type in the brain.
Mu-opioid receptors
Patients taking lithium must be monitored regularly for this potentially serious condition related to kidney function or thyroid levels.
Toxicity
How soon before sleep should Trazodone be taken to avoid keeping you awake?
Trazodone is typically recommended to be taken about 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Taking it at an inappropriate time can lead to increased wakefulness rather than promoting sleep.
This medication is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and is used in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Buprenorphine
This type of medication is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders and includes benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam.
Anxiolytics
Antabuse works by inhibiting this enzyme, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, causing unpleasant effects.
Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to this phenomenon characterized by increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Dependence
What is the importance of checking blood pressure and heart rate before administering beta blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol?
Beta blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, work by blocking adrenaline's effects on beta-adrenergic receptors, causing a decrease in heart rate and contractility. This can lead to lower blood pressure. However, beta blockers can also cause bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate. Monitoring blood pressure and pulse before administration helps identify patients at risk for this condition.
This medication taken by mouth or injectable can help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
Naltrexone
This mood stabilizer is frequently used to treat bipolar disorder and requires regular blood monitoring due to potential toxicity.
Lithium
Lithium’s therapeutic effects are thought to be related to its influence on this second messenger system within neurons.
Inositol monophosphate signaling pathway
A rare but serious side effect associated with antipsychotic medications that can cause muscle rigidity and fever is called what?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
What are some potential Consequences of taking Lucemyra without checking blood pressure first
Lucemyra, a medication, can cause low blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. If blood pressure is not monitored before administration, it can exacerbate the medication's hypotensive effects. Sudden position changes can cause orthostatic hypotension, causing severe dizziness or loss of consciousness. Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk, and unmonitored blood pressure use can result in undetected complications. Abrupt discontinuation of Lucemyra may cause rebound blood pressure and withdrawal symptoms. Immediate medical attention is needed for adverse effects.
This class of medications includes drugs like Acamprosate, which helps restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain after prolonged alcohol use.
Glutamate Modulators
This atypical antipsychotic is often prescribed for both schizophrenia and major depressive disorder as an adjunct treatment.
Aripiprazole
Acamprosate modulates glutamate transmission by acting on these receptors, helping reduce cravings for alcohol.
NMDA receptors
Patients taking Antabuse should avoid consuming products containing this substance due to potential adverse reactions with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Why are people more prone to seizures during alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal?
During withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, the brain experiences a rebound effect due to the sudden absence of these substances, which normally suppress neural activity. This leads to increased excitability in the brain, making it more susceptible to seizures.