Atypical antipsychotics Flashcards
How do atypicals work?
In schizophrenia, theres too much of a certain chemical in the brain, which causes the symptoms.
Atypicals work by calming down the effects of this chemical (blocks its pathways).
How are atypicals taken? Timeline from starting?
Daily tablet
Depot every 2-4wk
Start small dose + build over 1-2 weeks
Days-weeks till effects
Atypicals - extra info
Tell doc if wanting to get pregnant
Atypicals - tests
6 monthly
U+E, LFT
Prolactin, weight, HbA1c
Atypicals - SEs
constipation + weight gain
sexual dysfunction
dry mouth, dizziness + drowsiness
Seizures
EPSE - involuntary movements, tremor
Atypicals - complications
High fever + rigidity - NMS
Agranulocytosis - mouth/throat swelling, rash
Atypicals - contraindications
Liver failure
Clozapine SEs
Weight gain Agranulocytosis - monitor FBC Tachycardia Constipation Hypersalivation Myocarditis Increased/decreased BP/postural Nausea Dizziness Seizures
Symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia
Stiffness
Swollen breasts
Periods stopping
Clozapine titration - why? What is the rule?
Effects on BP + HR
48h rule
Antipsychotics - preceding tests
History/FH of CVD + DM
Heart rate, BP, weight
Diabetes screen
Prolactin + FBC
Clozapine - ECG
Clozapine - monitoring
FBC - weekly for 4 months, then 2-weekly, then 4-weekly
