22.3 Pharmacotherapy: Mood stabilizers Flashcards
1
Q
Name examples of mood stabilizers (4)
A
- Lithium
- Divalproex (Epival®)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal®)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
2
Q
Describe use of mood stabilizers (2)
A
- used as first-line monotherapy or in conjunction with atypical antipsychotics for acute episodes of
- bipolar disorder
- depression
- mania
- or for long-term stabilization
- vary in their ability to “treat” (reduce symptoms acutely) or “stabilize” (prevent relapse and recurrence) manic and depressive symptoms; multi-agent therapy can be avoided in many patients but it is common
3
Q
What to do before starting mood stabilizers? (12)
A
- before initiating, get baseline:
- CBC with diff and platelets
- ECG (if patient >45 yr old or cardiovascular risk)
- BUN
- Cr
- electrolytes
- TSH
- Also:
- screen for pregnancy
- thyroid disease
- neurological
- renal
- liver
- cardiovascular diseases
4
Q
Full effects of mood stabilizers take how long? (1)
A
- full effects may take 2-4 wk, thus may need acute coverage with benzodiazepines or antipsychotics
5
Q
Name rx for rapid cycling bipolar disorder
A
- Divalproex (Epival®)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
6
Q
Name rx for acute mania (4)
A
- Lithium
- Divalproex (Epival)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
- NOT recommended: Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
7
Q
Describe mode of action: Lithium (1)
A
- Unknown
8
Q
Therapeutic response when with Lithium? (1)
A
Therapeutic response within 7-14 d
9
Q
Describe dosage: Lithium (3)
A
- Adult: 600-1500 mg/d
- Geriatric: 150-600 mg/d
- Usually daily dosing
10
Q
Describe therapeutic level: Lithium (2)
A
- Adult: 0.8-1.0 mmol/L (1.0-1.25 mmol/L for acute mania)
- Geriatric: 0.6-0.8 mmol/L
11
Q
Describe monitoring: Lithium (4)
A
- Monitor serum levels every 5-7 d until therapeutic (always wait 12 h after dose)
- Then monitor monthly, then q2-3mo
- Thyroid function, creatinine q6mo
- Urinalysis q1yr
12
Q
Name side effects: Lithium (18)
A
- GI:
- N/V
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- GU:
- Polyuria, polydipsia
- Nephrogenic DI, GN, renal failure
- CNS:
- Fine tremor
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Hematologic: reversible benign leukocytosis
- Other:
- Teratogenic (Ebstein’s anomaly)
- Hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Psoriasis
- Muscle weakness
- Bradycardia
- ECG changes
13
Q
Describe interactions: Lithium (4)
A
- NSAIDs
- Thiazides
- ACE inhibitors
- Metronidazole
decrease clearance, risk for lithium toxicity
14
Q
Describe mode of action: Lamotrigine (Lamictal®) (2)
A
- May inhibit 5-HT3 receptors
- May potentiate DA activity
15
Q
Describe dosage: Lamotrigine (Lamictal®) (3)
A
- Note: very slow titration required due to risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Dose adjusted in patients taking other anticonvulsants
- Daily dose: 100-200 mg/d