Antipsychotics and Anti-epileptics Flashcards
What is the most common mental illness?
schizophrenia
What is the main type of drug that is used to TREAT mental illness?
Neuroleptics - antipsychotic drug
What happens in the brain to cause schizophrenia?
Over activity of dopamine pathways in certain parts of the brain, increased serotonin activity, glutamate, and GABA may also play a role
What is the primary focus for drugs used to treat schizophrenia?
normalizing dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain
what is the most important receptor for antipsychotic effects?
D2
what are the two categories of antipsychotics?
Traditional & nontraditional
What is the difference between traditional & nontraditional antipsychotics?
Non traditional have decreased risk of movement side effects because they don’t affect dopamine receptors as strongly as compared as traditional. Non traditional are also less effective than traditional and can have impact on other neurotransmitters (not just dopamine)
what would be an appropriate option for a patient who has poor compliance with their antipsychotics?
Depot administration – method of injecting the medication every 3-4 weeks for a slow, continual release during the maintenance phase of the disease
What are other usages for antipsychotics?
Alzheimers & dementia to control agitation & aggression & bipolar disorder
What is the most feared side effect of anti-psychotics?
Tardive dyskinesia-
S&S: Involuntary and fragmented movements
Rhythmic movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw
Involuntary sucking and smacking noises
Serious swallowing disorders (dysphagia) may occur
Choreoathetoid movements of the extremities and dystonias of the neck and trunk
Why can a patient on antipsychotic drug cause psuedoparkinsonism?
Antipsychotics block dopamine receptors so some may develop symptoms similar to those with Parkinson disease, but can be reduced when dosage is adjusted (do NOT give anti-parkinson drugs)
What are the side effects of antipsychotic drugs?
Akathisia (agitation), dyskinesia, dystonias, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (severe- can cause death), pseudoparkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia
What are important factors that PT’s should be aware of when a patient is taking antipsychotics?
Therapist must be alert for early signs of motor involvement –> Any changes in motor function should be assessed by a physician – this will reduce the risk of permanent motor dysfunction
also beware of side effects & take safety precautions
Why are medications for seizures used?
Seizures are self limiting – will usually resolve on their own, but the brain cannot sustain the high level of synaptic activity for too long & if they are left untreated further neural damage can occur which increases susceptibility to future seizres & impaired cerebral activity
What is the difference between generalized and focal seizures?
generalized - whole brain
focal - simple partial - remain conscious
focal - comlex partial - unconscious
