Antipsychotic drugs Flashcards
Some side effects of Anti-psychotic
Lowering dopamine (a drug that controls movement in the brain) levels promote the presence of extrapyramidal side effects., a common side-effects of typical antipsychotic drugs, which results in pseudoparkinsonism (Parkinson like symptoms e.g. bradykinesia)
- acute dystonia (e.g., Sustained muscle contraction, contorting and twisting movements)
- tardive dyskinesia (Abnormal facial movements; smacking lips, chewing, twisting the tongue)
- Akathisia (e.g. restlessness.)
How do you treat extrapyramidal symptoms?
Antiparkinsonian anticholinergic drugs may be
given to control EPS, but they are not always effective in
treating tardive dyskinesia.
How do you treat acute dystonia?
Anticholinergic/antiparkinsonism drugs such as benztropine
(Cogentin).
The benzodiazepine lorazepam (Ativan) may also be prescribed.
How do you treat Akathisia?
Akathisia is best treated with a benzodiazepine (e.g., lorazepam) or a beta blocker (e.g., propranolol)
How do you treat Tardive dyskinesia?
Benzodiazepines, calcium blockers (e.g., Verapamil) or beta blockers (e.g. Propanolol)
Clozapine can also be used.
What do you do for Clozapine?
You would monitor the patient for neutropenia where a type of white blood cells like neutrophils drops.
Patients’ blood is checked at least every week for 18 weeks, every 2 weeks for the first year and monthly thereafter to monitor the white blood cell count. If the WBC (leukocyte) level falls below 3000mm3, clozapine should be discontinued
What is a side effect of Quetiapine (SEROQUEL)?
Quetiapine may cause lens changes seen in patients on long-term treatment. Therefore, an eye examination to detect cataract formation is recommended at initation of treatment and then 6-months interval during treatment.
It may also cause QT prolongation when prescribed with other medications that effect the QT interval and in overdose.
