Antipsychotics

Question 1

mnemonic for counselling antipsychotics (any drug)

Answer 1

Action
Timeline (OD/QDS)
How to take it (PO)
Length of Tx
Effects (Pros + how long before +)
Tests to monitor
Important SE
Complications + Contraindications

Question 2

How do antipsychotics work (for Pt)

Answer 2

Imbalance of your feel good hormone dopamine + sometimes your happy hormone (serotonin).

Antipsychotics / Lithium looks to stabilise these and make it so these episodes of psychosis occur less

Question 3

4 benefits of taking antipsychotics

Answer 3

Reduce hallucinations
Reduce anxiety
Increased concentration
Less confusion

Question 4

Typical SE / Cons of taking antipsychotics (not risks) (5)

Answer 4

Weight gain
More sleepy
Reduction in Sexual Function
Sugar levels get worse
N+V

Question 5

What is a common risk of all antipsychotics

Answer 5

QTC prolongation => Torsades des pontes

Question 6

What is the risk of Haloperidol? (1st gen/typical)

Answer 6

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

=> Restlessness
=> Abnormal facial movements/contractions
=> Muscle spasms

Question 7

What is the specific risk in Clozapine?

Answer 7

Infection risk as reduction in immunity

(agranulocytosis/neutropenia)

Question 8

What initial assessment is done for antipsychotics

Answer 8

FBC // U&Es // LFTs
BP
HR / ECG
Weight // prolactin // lipids // HbA1C

Question 9

When do you bring in a patient for assessment in antipsychotics?

Answer 9

3months in

12 months in

Question 10

typical 1st gen SEs pneumonic

Answer 10

ADAPT
AD - acute dystonia (hrs-days)
A - akithesia (days-months)
P - parkinsonism (days-months)
T - tardive dyskinesia (months-years)