antipsychotics_monitoring_flashcards

Question 1

What tests are advised by the BNF for patients taking antipsychotic medication?

Answer 1

Full Blood Count (FBC), Urea and Electrolytes (U&E), Liver Function Tests (LFT), lipids, weight, fasting blood glucose, prolactin, blood pressure, Electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiovascular risk assessment.

Question 2

How often should Full Blood Count (FBC), Urea and Electrolytes (U&E), and Liver Function Tests (LFT) be monitored?

Answer 2

At the start of therapy and annually.

Question 3

How frequently does clozapine require monitoring of FBC?

Answer 3

Initially weekly.

Question 4

When should lipids and weight be monitored for patients on antipsychotics?

Answer 4

At the start of therapy, at 3 months, and annually.

Question 5

When should fasting blood glucose and prolactin levels be monitored?

Answer 5

At the start of therapy, at 6 months, and annually.

Question 6

How often should blood pressure be monitored in patients taking antipsychotics?

Answer 6

Baseline and frequently during dose titration.

Question 7

When should an Electrocardiogram (ECG) be performed for patients on antipsychotic medication?

Answer 7

Baseline.

Question 8

How often should cardiovascular risk assessment be performed in patients on antipsychotics?

Answer 8

Annually.