Bipolar Meds

Question 1

What are the common drugs for Bipolar?

Answer 1

• Lithium Carbonate (Lithane, Lithobid) Mood Stabilizer
• Valproic Acid (Depakote) Antiepileptic
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Antiepileptic
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Antiepileptic

Question 2

What are expected pharmacological action for Lithium?

Answer 2

Lithium produces neurochemical changes in the brain including serotonin receptor blockade.

Question 3

Therapeutic uses for Lithium?

Answer 3

Mood Stabilizer

Question 4

What are expected pharmacological action for anti epileptic drugs (AEDs)?

Answer 4

• Slows entrance of sodium and calcium back into neuron extending time it takes for nerve to return to active state.
• Potentiating inhibitory effects of GABA.
• Inhibiting glutamate, which suppresses CNS excitation.

Question 5

Therapeutic uses for anti epileptics?

Answer 5

-Treat manic and depressive episodes as well as prevent relapses.

Question 6

Common adverse effect for Lithium?

Answer 6

• nausea/diarrhea/abdominal pain
• Fine hand tremors
• Polyuria, mild thirst
• Weight gain
• Renal Toxicity
• Hypotension

Question 7

Common Contraindications and precautions for Lithium?

Answer 7

• Use cautiously for patients with renal and heart disease, sodium depletion and dehydration.
• Lithium toxicity - Check labs regularly

Question 8

Common adverse effect for AEDs?

Answer 8

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): CNS effects such as double vision, vertigo, nystagmus, HA, staggering gate.
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Blurred vision, dizziness, skin rashes eq. Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Valproic Acid (Depakote): N/V, hepatoxicity, thrombocytopenia, Pancreatitis

Question 9

Common contraindications and precautions for AEDs?

Answer 9

• Can result in birth defects
• Carbemazepine is contraindicated for patients who have bone marrow suppression.
• Valproic acid is contraindicated for liver disorders.