CASC Stations Flashcards
Management of DT
Ensure adequate fluid and e- balance and nutrition
Optimal environment, well lit
Consistent nursing support for reassurance and reorientation
Librium sliding scale
Parental B12
Risk of seizures and Wernickes
Risk of death in DT if untreated
10%
When does DT peak
72-96 hours after last drink
Classic sx of DT
Clouding of consciousness Confusion Hallucinations in every modality Tremors Fleeting paranoid delusions Sleep disturbance Autonomic hyperactivity - fever, tachy, sweating, HTN
What does Pabrinex contain
Pabrinex also contains nicotinamide, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), riboflavin
(vitamin B2) and vitamin C.
Mortality rate of untreated Wernickes
20%
Which antidepressants to avoid post-MI
Citalopram and Fluvaxamine
TCA - can cause hypotension
Augmentation options in treatment resistant depression
Augmentation of
antidepressants with: Lithium
Tri-iodothyronine, High dose venlafaxine
L-Tryptophan
Combination of SSRI with mirtazapine.
ECT
Augmentation of clozapine options
- Add Risperidone
- Add Sulpiride
- Add Amisulpiride
- Add Haloperidol
- Add Lamotrigine
- Add Omega-3-triglycerides
Core sx of depression
- Pervasive low mood
- Anhedonia
- Reduced energy and fatigueability
‘Other’/criterion B sx of depression
- Biological symptoms such as disturbance in sleep, poor appetite and
reduced libido - Cognitive symptoms like impaired memory, reduced attention and
poor concentration - Behavioural symptoms such as reduced eye contact, social withdrawal
and psychomotor retardation - Emotional symptoms such as low confidence and low self-esteem
- Depressive cognitions such as feeling of helplessness, hopelessness,
worthlessness and feelings of guilt.
How many patients with severe depression have hallucinations?
10-20%
Efficacy of combination meds for psychotic depression
70-80% patients improve
How much more likely are patients with SCZ to develop DM?
2x more than gen pop
How much more likely is metabolic syndrome in those with psychosis on antipsychotics?
2-4x more (typical and atypical antipsychotics)
Symptoms of NMS
Fever, diaphoresis, rigidity, confusion, fluctuating consciousness,
fluctuating blood pressure, tachycardia
What is NMS?
A rare, life-threatening, idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotic medication
Course of NMS
May last 7-10 days after stopping oral antipsychotics and up to 21 days
after depot antipsychotics (e.g. fluphenazine).
Risk factors of developing NMS
- High potency typical antipsychotic drugs
- Recent or rapid dose increase of antipsychotics
- Rapid dose reduction
- Abrupt withdrawal of anticholinergic drugs
- Psychosis, organic brain disease, alcoholism, Parkinson’s disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Agitation
- Dehydration.
Physical consequences of NMS
Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, aspiration pneumonia, seizures,
respiratory failure, arrhythmias, DIC, worsening of primary psychiatric disorder
(due to withdrawal of antipsychotics).
Management of NMS in medical unit
• Rehydration.
• Supportive measures-Oxygen, correct volume depletion and hypotension with
IV fluids, reduce the temperature using cooling blankets, antipyretics
• Sedation with benzodiazepines which are useful in reversing catatonia, are
easy to administer, and can be tried initially in most cases.
• 1st line pharmacotherapy to reduce rigidity: Dantrolene sodium appears
to be beneficial in cases of NMS involving significant rigidity and
hyperthermia. It has been beneficial in rapidly reducing extreme temperature
elevations in many cases.
• 2nd line pharmacotherapy to reduce rigidity: Trials of bromocriptine,
amantadine, or other dopamine agonists may be tried in patients with
moderate symptoms of NMS. L-dopa and carbamazepine have also been
used.
• 3rd line-ECT, Consider ECT for treatment after other interventions have
failed.
• Rhabdomyolysis: vigorous hydration and alkalisation of the urine suing IV
sodium bicarbonate to prevent renal failure.
• Artificial ventilation if required.
Antipsychotic rechallenge post-NMS
• Stop antipsychotics for at least 5-7 days, preferably longer.
• Allow time for symptoms and signs to resolve completely.
• Begin with very small dose and increase very slowly with close monitoring of
temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
• CK monitoring may be useful.
• Consider using an antipsychotic structurally unrelated to that associated with
NMS or a drug with low dopamine affinity (quetiapine or clozapine).
• Avoid depots and high potency conventional antipsychotics for the future.
Mortality rate of NMS
5-20%
Good prognosis with supportive care