Bipolar Drugs Flashcards
What mood stabiliser is first line in bipolar?
lithium
What can lithium cause?
nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Is lithium safe in pregnancy?
No - can cause Ebstein’s heart defect
What are the side effects of lithium?
dry mouth strange taste polydipsia and polyuria hypothyroid decreased renal function weight gain
What are symptoms of lithium toxicity?
ataxia tremor N, V and D drowsiness convulsions, coma
Describe lithium monitoring.
prior to initiation - U and Es, ECG, TFTs
every 3 months - lithium level, U andEs
every 6 months - TFTs
What are some examples of anticonvulsants used in bipolar?
sodium valproate
lamotrigine
carbamazepine
What anticonvulsant is good in mania/hypomania?
valproate
What anticonvulsant is good in bipolar depression?
lamotrigine
Can lamotrigine be used in pregnancy?
No - cleft palate
What could a rash indicate with lamotrigine use?
Steven Johnsons sndrome
What are side effects of sodium valproate?
teratogenic tremor sedation weight gain dizziness GI upset pancreatitis
