6- Therapeutics commonly used in psychiatry (Pharmacological)) Flashcards
The perfect medication in psychiatry
- Has a very specific activity on receptors (or chemicals) and only in areas where those receptors (or chemicals) are clearly implicated in the cause of the psychiatric condition or the reduction of psychiatric symptoms
- Therefore has less potential for side effects and we are able to predict effectiveness
in reality psychiatric medication have many side effects
Adrenergic/Noradrenergic:
– Sweating
– Tremor
– Headaches
– Nausea
– Dizziness
Muscarinic (Acetylcholine):
– Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, thirst
– Difficulty urinating, urinary retention
– Hot and flushed skin. Dry skin
Histamine:
– Dry mouth
– Drowsiness
– Dizziness
– Nausea and vomiting
classes of psychiatric medication
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Anxiolytics
- Hypnotics
- Mood stabilisers
Antidepressants background
- Most work on serotonin activity (and maybe other receptors) and aim to increase activity at post synaptic receptors
- Most have most of their effect in two to three weeks – may take up to 6 weeks to have maximum effect
- Only for the treatment of Severe or Moderate Depression, (they don’t work for mild depression)
- Most commonly used anti-depressants are SSRI’s
- Follow up after 2 weeks to screen for suicidal ideation
- Other types include:
– SNRIs
– Mirtazapine
– Tricyclics
– MAOIs (I have started once in 20 years!) - Also used to treat anxiety
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) examples
sertraline and citalopram most popular first line
SSRI indication
- Moderate to severe depression
- Panic disorders
- Generalised anxiety
- OCD
- PTSD
MOA of SSRI
They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft into pre-synaptic neurones and therefore SSRIs increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
side effects of SSRIs
Side effects
- Sense of restlessness, agitation on initiation (countered by judicious use of benzodiazepines)
- Nausea, GI disturbance
- Headache
- Weight changes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Less common – bleeding and suicidal ideation (age related)
contraindication to antidepressants
History of mania, epilepsy, cardiac disease (sertraline is the safest), acute angle-closure glaucoma, diabetes mellitus (monitor glycaemic control after initiation), concomitant use with drugs that cause bleeding, GI bleeding (or history of GI bleeding), hepatic/renal impairment, pregnancy and breast-feeding, young adults (possible
-> suicide risk), suicidal ideation.
Contraindications: Mania.
examples of noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs)
Indication for SNRIs
Second or third-line
in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. SNRIs have
a more rapid onset of action and are more effective than SSRIs (for major depression).
MOA of SNRI
SNRIs work by
preventing the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin but do not block cholinergic receptors and therefore do not have as many anti-cholinergic side effects as TCAs.
Side effects of SNRIs
- Similar to SSRIs but greater potential for sedation, nausea and sexual dysfunction
contraindication to SNRIs
- Kidney or liver problems
- Heart problems
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy, manic episodes or bipolar
- Pregnancy
tricyclic antidepressants examples
- Newer: lofepramine (safest) and nortriptyline
- Amitriptyline (less well tolerated)
indication of TCA
- depression
- nocturnal enuresis in children,
- neuropathic pain (unlicensed),
- migraine prophylaxis (unlicensed).
TCA background
- Out of favour but reasonably effective and useful for those who do not respond to SSRI’s
- Newer tricyclics (such as lofepramine and and nortriptyline) tolerated better than older tricyclics (amitriptyline)
MOA of TCA
TCAs work by inhibiting the reuptake of adrenaline and serotonin in the synaptic cleft. They also have affinity for cholinergic receptors and 5HT2 receptors and these contribute to side effects.
TCA side effects
Anticholinergic: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, confusion.
Cardiovascular: arrhythmias, postural hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, sweating. Hypersensitivity reactions: urticarial, photosensitivity.
Psychiatric: hypomania/mania, confusion or delirium (especially in elderly).
Metabolic: appetite and weight gain, changes in blood glucose levels. Endocrine: testicular enlargement, gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea.
Neurological: convulsions, movement disorders and dyskinesias, dysarthria, paraesthesia, taste disturbances, tinnitus.
Others: headache, sexual dysfunction and tremor.
TCA and overdose
causes QTc prolongation and arrhythmias
TCA complications
Cautions : cardiac disease, history of epilepsy, pregnancy, breast-feeding, elderly, hepatic impairment, thyroid disease, phaeochromocytoma, history of mania, psychoses (may aggravate psychotic symptoms), susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma, history of urinary retention,
Contraindications: recent myocardial infarction, arrhythmias (particularly heart block), mania, severe liver disease, agranulocytosis.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) background
- If changing to another antidepressant need a washout period (up to 6 weeks)
- Should only be started by psychiatrists (in my opinion)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) examples
- Irreversible – more dangerous: Phenelzine; Isocarboxazid
- Reversible – less dangerous: Moclobamide; Tranylcypromine
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors indication
Third-line for depression: atypical or treatment-resistant depression. NOTE: Its use is substantially limited by toxicity, interaction with food and inferior efficacy compared to SSRIs and TCAs (see Key facts 2).
Social phobia.
MOA of MOAi
- MAOIs inactivate monoamine oxidase enzymes that oxidize the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin (5-HT), and tyramine.
- There are two main forms of MAO enzymes: MAO-A and MAO-B. Moclobemide is comparatively recent compared with the other MAOIs and binds selectively to MAO-A, therefore nullifying the need for dietary restrictions.
side effects of MOAis
- Dry mouth.
- Nausea, diarrhea or constipation.
- Headache.
- Drowsiness.
- hypotension
- Insomnia.
MAOi contraindication
Contraindications acute confusional states, phaeochromocytoma.
Mirtazapine background
- Used to be called a NaSSA (Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant)
- Now recognised as a class of its own
indication of mirtazapine
Often used second-line for depressed patients who would benefit from weight gain and who suffer from insomnia e.g. patients with co-morbid physical conditions.
mirtazapine MOA
- Unique class. Acts as a 5HT-2 and 5HT-3 antagonist
- Strong H1 (histamine) activity – hence sedation
Side effects of mirtazapine
- Major side-effects are sedation and weight gain
- “Side-effects” can be used to therapeutic advantage
Contraindication of mirtazapine
- Diabetes as can make blood sugar unstable
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy
Vortioxetine
Novel antidepressant
vortioxetine MOA
Indication
- Depression with difficult to treat cognitive symptoms
MOA vortioexetine
- All sorts of serotonergic activity
side effect of vortioxetine
- Well tolerated
- Most common side effect is nausea
syndromes associated with antidepressants
discontinuation syndrome
serotoin syndrome
discontinuation syndrome
- Antidepressants are not addictive but they can be difficult to stop
Which antidepressants to look out for: - Paroxetine
- Venlafaxine
prevention of discontinuation syndrome
- Reduce dose slowly
- Can alternate days or snap tablets in half
- Can sometimes switch to fluoxetine (very long half-life) and then reducing fluoxetine
cause of discontunation syndrome
- This is influenced by half-life
- The shorter the half-life the bigger the problem
presentation of discontinuation syndrome
- Shakes
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paraesthesia
- Clonus
prognosis of discontinuation syndrome
- It is very unpleasant but not life-threatening
Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when you take medications that affect serotonin levels e.g. antidepressants
serotoin syndrome presentation
- Very vague
- Cognitive – headaches, agitation, hypomania, confusions, coma
- Autonomic – shivering, sweating, hyperthermia, tachycardia, nausea and diarrhoea
- Somatic – myoclonus, hyper-reflexia and tremor
- Treatment usually supportive: fluids and monitoring
management of serotonin syndrome
Management
- Fluids
- Monitoring
things to think about when prescribing antidepressants
- What has been used before?
– If something has worked before try that one again - Was it effective and/or tolerated?
- Are there particular symptoms or comorbidities you may want to address
– Weight loss- mirtazapine
– Insomnia- mirtazapine
– Neuropathic pain- SNRI
scenarios: 1) New cases of depression with no previous treatment:
SSRI
- Unless major weight loss or major sleep difficulty.. in which case consider Mirtazapine
- Unless comorbid neuropathic pain.. in which case consider SNRI
scenarios: 2) If no effect after starting SSRI switch to a different SSRI, if still not effect switch to
SNRI venlafaxine or mirtazapine
- NICE would suggest that GPs should trial at least 2 antidepressants, for the minimum effective period, (usually seen as 6 weeks), unless patient needs an urgent referral to psychiatry services, (based on risk).
increasing the dose or switching antidepressants
- Should take effect within 3 weeks -> however should wait 4 weeks before making final decision
- NICE would suggest that GPs should trial at least 2 antidepressants, for the minimum effective period, (usually seen as 6 weeks), unless patient needs an urgent referral to psychiatry services, (based on risk).
dopamine theory of schizophrenia
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia postulates that hyperactivity of dopamine D2 receptor neurotransmission in subcortical and limbic brain regions contributes to positive symptoms of schizophrenia, whereas negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder can be attributed to hypofunctionality of dopamine D1 receptor neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex
indications for antipsychotics
- Treatment of schizophrenia
MOA of antipsychotics
All current antipsychotics reduce the level of dopamine activity at D2 receptors
- Target pathways
o Mesocortical
o Mesolimbic
- Unwanted affected pathways
o Nigrostriatal (movement)
o Tuberoinfundibular (HPA axis)
general side effects of antipsychotics
One of the main properties of antipsychotics is that they block dopamine receptors, in particular
D2 receptors. However, they also have an affinity for muscarinic, 5HT, histaminergic and adrenergic receptors, which explains their side effect profile:
- Extrapyramidal side effects are more common in typical antipsychotics
- Anti-muscarinic (‘can’t see, can’t wee, can’t spit, can’t st’) – blurred vision (can’t see), urinary retention (can’t wee), dry mouth (can’t spit), constipation (can’t st).
- Anti-histaminergic: sedation and weight gain.
- Anti-adrenergic: postural hypotension, tachycardia and ejaculatory failure.
- Endocrine/metabolic -> prolactin (sexual dysfunction, reduced bone mineral density, menstrual disturbances, breast enlargement, and galactorrhoea), impaired glucose tolerance, hypercholesterolaemia
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Prolonged QT interval: QT interval prolongation is a particular concern with pimozide and haloperidol. There is a higher probability in any antipsychotic drug (or combination of drugs) with doses exceeding the recommended maximum. Cases of sudden death have occurred through fatal arrhythmias (e.g. torsades de pointes).
- Clozapine has the specific side effects of hypersalivation (patients may wake up with their pillows soaking with saliva), agranulocytosis requiring special monitoring and constipation
severe complication of psychotics
- Acute dystonia – oculogyric crisis
- Agranulocytosis
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
why do antipsychotics require monitoring of specific parameters
Important due to side effects of weight gain and dyslipidaemia
- Baseline: FBC; Lipids; LFT; HbA1C. Weight. ECG. Blood pressure and pulse
- Weekly: Weight in an ideal world
- Three months: FBC; Lipids; LFT; HbA1C. Weight. ECG. Blood pressure and pulse
- Yearly: FBC; Lipids; LFT; HbA1C. Weight. ECG. Blood pressure and pulse
Typical vs atypical antipsychotics
-
Typical older and more likely to cause extra-pyramidal side effects – remember this difference if you only remember one difference
– Typical tend to bind more to muscarinic and histaminic receptors - Atypical tend to have more serotonergic activity.
example typical antipsychotics
– Haloperidol
– Chlorpromazine
examples of atypical antipsychotics
(also called Second Generation Antipsychotics: SGAs):
– Clozapine –Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
– Olanzapine
– Risperidone
– Quetiapine
– Amisulpride
– Aripiprazole – note a D2 partial agonist (not antagonist) – fewer side effects
side effects of typical antipsychotics
(more likely to cause):
– Extra-Pyramidal Side Effects (EPSE’s) Including: bradykinesia, muscle stiffness and tremor; tardive dyskinesia; akathisia
– Dizziness
– Sexual dysfunction
side effects of atypical antipsychotics
– Weight gain
– Dyslipidaemia and diabetes
clozapine
- First atypical antipsychotic (synthesised in 1958) used for patients in late 1960s; withdrawn by manufacturer in 1975 and not used for a decade.
- Most efficacious antipsychotic ever!
- Improvements can continue for several months
extrapyramidal side effects
parkinsonian features
clozapine indication
- Should be used in schizophrenia after two other antipsychotics have not been effective (Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia)
MOA of clozapine
- D2 antagonist; 5HT-2 antagonist.
MOA of clozapine
- D2 antagonist; 5HT-2 antagonist.
side effects of clozapine
- Significant potential for agranulocytosis (severe leukopenia – especially neutrophils): therefore close monitoring of FBC: weekly for first 18 weeks, then fortnightly for up to a year, then monthly
- Significant potential for gastrointestinal hypo-mobility: constipation, potentially fatal bowel obstruction
- Other side-effects include hypersalivation and urinary incontinence.
how to reduce risk of side effects from clozapine
- Dose titrated slowly upward over two weeks and vital signs monitored due to potential for autonomic dysregulation
treatment
agranulocytosis
a deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection.
- esp neutrophils
prevention of agranulocytosis when using clozapine
- FBC checked before clozapine can be prescribed
- to look at neutrophil count
presentation of clozapine induced agranulocytosis
- may be asymptomatic, or may clinically present with sudden fever, rigors and sore throat.
- Infection of any organ may be rapidly progressive (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infection).
- Sepsis may also progress rapidly.
management. ofclozapine induced agranulocytosis
- Stop Clozapine
- Stop any other potentially marrow supressing drugs – e.g. Sodium Valproate
- Avoid other antipsychotics for a couple of weeks where possible, though if needed Aripiprazole has less potential for bone marrow suppression
- Contact Consultant Haematologist as an emergency
- Avoid sources of infection. Consider prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Sometimes lithium is used to increased WCC and neutrophil count
- Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used
contraindication to antipsychotics
Cautions: Cardiovascular disease (an ECG may be required), Parkinson’s disease (may be exacerbated by antipsychotics), epilepsy (and other conditions predisposing to seizures), depression, myasthenia gravis, prostatic hypertrophy, susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma, severe respiratory disease, history of jaundice, blood dyscrasias (perform blood counts if unexplained infection or fever develops).
Contraindications: Comatose states, CNS depression, phaeochromocytoma.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
is a rare but life-threatening condition seen in patients taking antipsychotic medications. It may also occur with dopaminergic drugs (such as levodopa) for Parkinson’s disease, usually when the drug is suddenly stopped or the dose reduced.
NMS presentation
Onset usually in first 10 days of treatment or after increasing dose.
Presents with pyrexia, muscular rigidity, confusion, fluctuating consciousness and autonomic
instability (e.g. tachycardia, fluctuating blood pressure). May have delirium.
NMS death usually due to
o Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, seizures
o So CK levels shoot up (blood test investigation)
management of
NMS
o Emergency referral to A&E
o Stop antipsychotics
o Give benzodiazepine for acute behavioural disturbance
o Fluid resuscitation
o Reduce temperature (cooling blankets)
o Oxygen if necessary
o Rhabdomyolsis – fluids and sodium bicarbonate – alkalise the urine
o Relax muscles – first line: dantrolene or lorazepam; second line bromocriptine
o Sometimes requires an ITU bed
NMS investigations
Investigations: CK ( creatinine kinase is usual), FBC (leucocytosis may be seen), LFTs
(deranged).
complications of NMS
Pulmonary embolism, renal failure, shock.
acute dystonia due to antipsychotics
- Sustained, often painful, muscular spasms, producing twisted abnormal postures.
- 50% cases in first 48 hours; 90% in first 5 days
presentation of acute dystonia
- Most common: neck; tongue; jaw; oculogyric crisis (neck arched and eyes rolled back)
acute dystonia: oculogyric crisis
spasmodic movements of the eyeballs into a fixed position, usually upwards
management of acute dystona
- Stop antipsychotic
- Administer IM or IV anticholinergics – first line is Procyclidine
- Continue for 1 to 2 days after dystonia and consider long-term prophylactic
what is used to treat extra pyraidal side effects (EPSEs)
anticholinergics
Anticholinergics –used to treat extra pyramidal side effects (EPSEs)
x
Pathophysiology
* Ratio of dopamine: acetylcholine in nigrostriatal pathway more important than absolute quantities
* If there is too much acetylcholine in relation to dopamine and you cannot increase dopamine activity then — reduce acetylcholine activity by antagonising acetylcholine receptors
* Not effective for (and may exacerbate) tardive dyskinesia
Example anticholinergics
– Procyclidine – by far the most commonly used drug for EPSE. Potential for misuse
– Benzatropine
– Trihexphenidyl
Tardive dyskinesia (TD)
is a condition where your face, body or both make sudden, irregular movements which you cannot control. It can develop as a side effect of medication, most commonly antipsychotic drugs.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD)
is a condition where your face, body or both make sudden, irregular movements which you cannot control. It can develop as a side effect of medication, most commonly antipsychotic drugs.
Dos and donts of antipsychotics
Anxiolytics
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Pregabalin
- Antidepressants
Benzodiazepines indication
anxiety disorders, insomnia, acute status epilepticus, i
benzos examples
- Most typically used are diazepam (long half-life) and lorazepam (shorter half-life)
MOA of benzos
- Bind to GABA receptors to potentiate the effect of GABA and therefore reduce the excitability of neurones.
- Therefore they are positive allosteric modulators of GABA receptor
Side effects of benzodiazepines
- Significant potential for tolerance and dependence
- Significant potential for misuse
- Use very cautiously and for no more than six weeks
- Occasionally cause paradoxical disinhibition
contraindications for benzos
myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and COPD.
beta blockers and anxiety
- Limited effectiveness for enduring anxiety disorders
- Not often prescribed in secondary care
usually used for symptom control e.g. palpitations
beta blocker example
- Most often used in psychiatry is Propranolol – dangerous in overdose
MOA of beta blockers
- Act by reducing autonomic nervous system activation
- Bio-psycho-feedback
- Often misused by performers (professional musicians, actors) and the drug of choice of snooker players
side effects of beta blockers
- cold hands and feet
- fatigue
- erectile dysfunction
beta blocker contraindication
asthma
pregablin
- Less potential for misuse and dependence (and tolerance) than benzodiazepines – but still misused – nickname “Budweisers”
indication of pregablin
- Used in anxiety, neuropathic pain and epilepsy
MOA of pregabalin
Pregabalin does not act directly on GABA-A, but rather is an inhibitor of glutamate, noradrenaline and substance-P. It is an anticonvulsant and is licensed to be used in GAD, and is also used for neuropathic pain.
side effects of pregabalin
- BNF says short term use – often used indefinitely
- Causes sedation and can cause weight gain
Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, diplopia, confusion and vivid dreams.
hypnotics (sleeping tablets) can be
benzodiazepines and non benzodiazepines
benzos used as hypnotics
- Temazepam, Lormatazepam, Nitrazepam
nonbenzos used as hypnotics
- Act in a very similar way (positive allosteric modulators) but are structurally different to benzodiazepines
- Also called Z drugs
- Zopiclone, Zolpidem
Z drugs
Include zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon.
They work like benzos by enhancing GABA transmission but are mainly used as hypnotics as they have shorter half-lives, reduced risk of tolerance and dependence and reduced psychomotor and hangover effects as compared to BZDs.
hynotics signif potnetial for
for misuse, dependence, rebound insomnia.
how are hypnotics taken to reduce potential for tolerance
- Use for only two weeks and take for only 5 out of 7 days each week to reduce potential for tolerance
mood stabilisers
Mood stabilizers are drugs that are used to prevent depression and mania in bipolar affective disorder and schizoaffective disorder.
- Lithium was the first to be discovered in the early 1950s.
- Other mood stabilizers were initially introduced as anti-epileptic drugs but later found to have therapeutic effects in patients with bipolar disorder (sodium valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine).
classes of mood stabilisers
Used to treat treatment resistant depression and bipolar mood disorder
Come from one of the following groups
– Lithium
– Anticonvulsants
– Second Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
lithium indication
- Bipolar
- Significant evidence that lithium reduces suicide – and it has a licence for reduction of self-harm
- Also used to augment antidepressants
MOA of lithium
- Mechanism of action unknown – does all sorts of things in the brain, notably lowering noradrenaline release and increasing serotonin synthesis
pharmacodynamics/kinetics of lithium
- Narrow therapeutic window (gap between effective dose and toxic dose) so a requirement for regular serum lithium levels – weekly after dose change until level stable then 3 monthly once stable
- Excreted by kidneys
side effects of lithium
Short term
- GI disturbance (especially on initiation), metallic taste and/or dry mouth, fine tremor, polydipsia and polyuria, weight gain
Long-term effects:
– Hypothyroidism – usually reversible
– Renal impairment – usually irreversible (and occurs most at above therapeutic doses)
– Therefore annual U&Es and TFTs
lithium toxicity summary
which anticonvulsants are used as mood stabilisers
– Sodium Valproate – avoid in women of child bearing age due to teratogenicity. Check LFTs before and soon after starting
– Carbamazepine – less often used
– Lamotrigine – potential for Stevens Johnson Syndrome –only for bipolar depression
lamotrigine indication
Used to treat bipolar depression. It is less teratogenic than the other mood stabilizers and therefore usually the drug of choice in women of child bearing age. Lamotrigine does not treat or prevent manic episodes.
MOA of lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is thought to work by inhibition of sodium and calcium channels in presynaptic neurons and subsequent stabilization of the neuronal membrane.
side effects of lamotrigine
GI disturbances, rash (in around 5% of patients), headache and tremor.
BEWARE OF STEVEN JOHNSON SYNDROME
Second Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) in bipolar mood disorder
- Quetiapine now first line treatment for bipolar – probably more to do with potential for lithium toxicity rather than better efficacy
- All SGAs have effectiveness - so do FGA’s
- Doses and monitoring the same as for psychosis
soidum valproate as a mood stabiliser
Comparable efficacy to lithium as a mood stabilizer. If lithium (and an atypical antipsychotic) is ineffective or unsuitable in acute mania. Used in combination with lithium for rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder.
side effect of sodium valproate
GI disturbances, Very fat ( weight), Aggression, LFTs , Platelets low (thrombocytopenia), Reversible hair loss (in 10%), Oedema (peripheral), Ataxia, Tremor/Tiredness/Teratogenic, Emesis.
side effect for sodium valproate
Avoid in pregnancy (can cause neural tube defects in the fetus and result in spina bifida), hepatic dysfunction and porphyria
Second Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) in bipolar mood disorder
- Quetiapine now first line treatment for bipolar – probably more to do with potential for lithium toxicity rather than better efficacy
- All SGAs have effectiveness - so do FGA’s
- Doses and monitoring the same as for psychosis
drugs used to treat ADD and ADHD
- Methylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine
- Atomoxetine
Methylphenidate
- most commonly prescribed
- often given with a combination of immediate and sustained release (in the same tablet)
dextrophetamine
- Stimulants have potential for misuse and dependency
- Monitor weight, height (in children) and pulse
atomoxetine
– Noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor
– Used according to patient preference, unable to tolerate stimulants, or (sometimes) in instances of previous drug dependence
Drugs used for cognitive symptoms of dementia
- Do not prolong life or slow down neurodegenerative changes
- Improve cognitive and emotional/behavioural symptoms
Types
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors – often called cholinesterase inhibitors
- Memantine
Cholinesterase inhibitors
memantine
formulation of antidepressants
tablets, some in liquid form, no injectables
formulation of antipsychotics
– Tablets and liquid or dispersible melt in the mouth tablets
– Some short acting injections – haloperidol IM for rapid tranquilisation
– Some long acting injections – Depots given once a week to once a month
formualtion of benzos
– Tablets and liquid
– Short acting injections – IM lorazepam for rapid tranquilisation
formulation of lithium
tablet only
formulation of sodium valproate
tabelt and liquid
formualtion formof hypnotics
tabelts and liquid
formualtion of hypnotics
tabelts and liquid
formulation of promethazine
sedating antihistamine – tablets and IM short acting for rapid tranquilisation
formation of procyclidine
tablets and short acting IM injections
