Bipolar 1 & 2 Flashcards
What are 4 classifications of drugs used to treat mania?
Antipsychotics
Anticonvulsants
Anti-anxiety
Lithium
What does Lithium do to treat mania?
It is a mood stabilizer and it may take weeks to work.
What do antipsychotics do for mania?
Brings mania down quickly, in several days.
What do anticonvulsants do for mania?
Act as mood stabilizers.
When are anti-anxiety meds used for mania?
They are used if other medications can not be used.
What is Lithium Carbonate, and what is it used for?
A natural salt, that is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder?
What is the therapeutic blood level of lithium carbonate?
0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L
What is the toxic blood level for Lithium carbonate?
1.5 mEq/L and above
What is the maintains blood level of Lithium carbonate for the treatment of mania and depression?
0.4 to 1.3 mEq/L
What is the therapeutic mg dosage of Lithium?
300-2700 mg/day
What are the adverse side effects of Lithium?
Lithium toxicity and death
What are the contraindications for Lithium?
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
What is important to know about children and Lithium?
It is toxic and should not be given to the,
What does Lithium do for thirst and dehydration ?
Increases thirst and dehydration?
When taking lithium what does dehydration lead to?
Lithium retention and toxicity
What does caffeine do to lithium levels?
Decreases lithium levels in the blood
What six things should patients avoid when taking Lithium?
Alcohol, caffeine, diuretics, SSRI, NSAIDS, ace inhibitors
What medications increase Lithium levels?
Diuretics, SSRI, NSAIDS, ACE inhibitors
What decreases Lithium levels?
Caffeine
If Lithium causes nausea, what should you advise the patient to do?
Take with food
What medication is often used with Lithium?
Antipsychotics
How many days can Lithium take to reach its therapeutic level?
7 - 21 days
What are initial/transient symptoms of Lithium?
Dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, mild sleepiness, dizziness, mental dulling
What are the symptoms of Lithium?
Polydipsis, polyuria, weight gain, mild hand tremor.
How much weight gain is normal for being on Lithium?
5 - 10 lbs up to 50
What are patient teachings for lithium toxicity?
Blurred vision, diarrhea, muscle weakness, drowsiness, feeling shaky, lack of coordination,
What symptoms can lithium toxicity lead to?
Seizures, coma, death, cardiovascular collapse
How often does a patient need to check their lithium blood levels when initially starting treatment?
Weekly
How soon can blood be drawn after the last dose of lithium?
8-12 hrs
How does lithium effect your thyroid?
Can cause HYPO thyroidism. Need to order a ths test.
What doe lithium do to kidney function?
It can impair renal function. Order creatinine test or BUN
What are atypical antipsychotics that are used to treat mania?
O Lana’Paine (zy’prexa)
Ris per’ Idone (ris’perdal)
Whit is used to reduce mania before lithium is at the therapeutic level?
Antipsychotics
Once lithium begins to work, what is often discontinued?
Antipsychotics
Why are antipsychotics used to treat mania?
Because they are better tolerated than lithium, they reduce mania quicker, and prevent relapse
What can anticonvulsant drugs cause when using to treat mania?
Suicidal thinking
What are three anticonvulsant drugs used for treatment of mania?
Valproate (depakote)
Carbamazepine (tegretol)
Lamotrigin (lamictal)
What is important to each for when treating with lamotrigine?
Life threatening TENS rash?
What is toxic epidermal nec’rolysis?
Lamicital TENS rash