Chapter 4- NS Flashcards
What is dementia
Dementia is not a disease it is a progressive clinical syndrome characterised by a range of cognitive and behavioural symptoms such as memory loss problems with reading and communication and a change in personality
What is the most common type of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Other types include Vascular disease (reduced blood flow) Lewy body Mixed dementia Frontotemporal dementia
What is the aim of treatment of dementia
To promote independence maintain function and manage symptoms
Why is minimising the amount of Antimuscarinic drugs a patient with dementia is on be suitable
They increase cognitive impairment so it helps management of cognitive symptoms
What is the first line treatment in newly diagnosed patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Acetylcholinestrease inhibitors such as donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine
What is the drug of choice in patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease or when AceE is not tolerated/ contra-indicated
Memantine
AChE inhibitors are contraindicated
What medication is indicated for mild to moderate dementia with Lewy bodies
AChE inhibitors:
Donepezil or rivastigmine
Then galantamine if those don’t work
Menantamine if acetylcholinestrase inhibitors are not tolerated
When are acetylcholinestrase inhibitors and memantine NOT recommended
In patients with frontotempral dementia or cognitive impairment cause by multiple sclerosis
When are antipsychotics indicated for patients with dementia
If they are at risk of harming themselves or others if they are experiencing agitation hallucinations or delusions that are causing them severe distress
MHRA ALERT
Why are antipsychotics cautioned in the use of elderly patients with dementia
Studies show it has an increased risk of stroke and a small increased risk of death
Name the anticholinesterases that are centrally acting
Donepezil
Rivastagmine
Galantamine
Name a dopaminergic NMDA glutamate receptor agonist drug
Memantine
What are the symptoms of antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome
Fever rash and lymphadenopathy are most common
Other symptoms include liver dysfunction, haematological, renal pulmonary abnormalities
Why is monotherapy preferred an epileptic treatment
Combination therapy increases the risk of interactions and side-effects
Can epileptic patients drive
Yes if they have been seizure free for at least one year
No history of unprovoked seizures
Or if they have only suffered from sleeping seizures for three years
They have a 6 month driving ban if
Medication is being changed or withdrawn and they’ve been seizure free for that time
5 year ban for lorries or vehicles with passengers
Are antiepileptic safe to use in pregnancy
Many are teratogenic so advice should be seeked from specialised
In planned pregnancy it is best to stop treatment in the first trimester
In unplanned pregnancy it is best to continue antiepileptic treatment as usual
What anti-epileptic drug has 30-40% chance of severe disorder in pregnancy
Sodium valproate
What is the first line treatment for focal (partial) seizures with or without a secondary generalisation
Carbamazepine or lamotrigine
Oxcarbazepine, sodium valproate and levetiracetam may be used if the first two fail
What’s the first line treatment for generalised tonic-clonic seizure
Sodium valproate (or carbamazepine) Lamotrigine is an alternative choice
First line treatment for generalised absence seizures
Ethosuximide or Sodium valproate
Lamotrigine is a suitable alternative if they fail
First line treatment for generalised myoclonic seizures
Sodium valproate
Topiramate and levetiracetam are options if sodium valproate fails
What signs and symptoms should people on carbamazepine look out for
Infection, Blood, liver and skin disorders
Fever rash mouth ulcers bleeding or bruising
What signs and symptoms should patients on lamotrigine look out for
Bone marrow failure (anaemia bruising and infection)
Serious skin reaction
What signs and symptoms should patient on valproate as an epileptic look out for
Liver toxicity, blood disorder and pancreatitis
What should be routinely monitored when using valllproate
Liver function
full blood counts (causes low platelets)
What’s the phenytoin drug level target
And for neonates
10-20mg/L (40-80micromol/L)
Neonates: 6-15mg/L
What’s the symptoms of phenytoin toxicity
Double vision, slurred speech, ataxia, confusion, hyperglycaemia and nystagmus
What’s important about prescribing phenytoin
It’s brand specific so should be prescribed by brand
What a tonic seizures
Generalised seizure so affects most the brain. Body becomes stiff/ flexed and you can fall backward
Most often occur during sleep
What is an atonic seizure
Generalised seizure with Sudden loss of muscle tone so that the child goes limp and can fall frontwards to the ground
What’s a tonic clonic seizure
Generalised seizure that affects the entire brain
Body becomes still, fall backwards followed by aggressive phase
What is a myoclonic seizures
Generalised seizure Usually causes abnormal Movements on both sides of the brain at the same time resulting in short muscle twitches
What’s a partial focal seizure
Occurs when the electrical activity remains in a limited area of the brain and sometimes turn into generalised seizure which affects the whole brain
Name the category one antiepileptic drugs (CP3)
Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Phenobarbital
Primidone
Name the category two antiepileptic drugs
Valproate Lamotrigine Perampanel Clobazam Topiramate Zonisamide
Name the category three antiepileptic drugs
Levetiracetam Lacosamide Tiagabine Gabapentin Vigbatrin
What seizures should you not use pregabalin for
Tonic, atonic or absent seizures
What’s the interaction between lamotrigine and valproate
Valproate increased lamotrigine concentration
Which antiepileptic is used for only over 18 years
Retigabine
Which antiepileptic may be sedative and can develop tolerance
Phenobarbital or primidone
Most antiepileptics are given BD which ones have a long half life and I’ll given once a day
Lamotrigine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Parampanel
Do younger children metabolise antiepileptics more rapidly or slower
More rapidly so higher doses may be needed
What’s the optimise response range levels for carbamazepine
4-12mg/L
What are the side-effects does phenytoin have that might affect social life of a person
Acne
Gingival hypertrophy
Hypersensitivity reaction (fever, rash)
What side effect is the antiepileptic drug topiramate associated with
Myopia with secondary angle-closure glaucoma
What do you do when a patient is having status epilepticus
Position patient to avoid injury, support respiration and provide oxygen
Maintain BP, correct hypoglycaemia
Parenteral thiamine given it alcohol abuse suspected
Pyridoxine given it status epilepticus thought to be caused by deficiency
If seizure longer than 5 minutes give IV lorazepam (IV diazepam has risk of thrombophlebitis)
Clonazepam can be an alternative
Phenytoin or fosphenytoin can be given after initial treatment
What are first line antidepressants and why
SSRI- they are generally the safest. Less sedating, fewer antimuscarinic and cardio toxic effects
TCA have more pronounced side effects and a more dangerous level of toxicity in overdose
MAOIs have serious interactions with other drugs and some food (can’t have drink, cheese, meat)
Which SSRI is given for anxiety
Buspirone
What’s the MHRA alert for the use of benzodiazepines and opioids
The use together can produce additive CNS depressant effects increasing the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
If a patient is prescribed benzodiazepines and opioids what should be monitored?
Sedation and respiratory depressant effects
What are the hypotonic, sedative and anxiolytic benzodiazepams used for anxiety
(Clue: A D C O)
Alprazolam
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
Oxazepam
What is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Behavioural disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
Which can lead to functional impairment such as psychological social educational or occupational difficulties.
(Ranges from hyperactive to inattentive)
Aim of treatment for ADHD
Reduce functional impairment
Reduce severity of symptoms
Improve quality of life
What are the first line stimulant treatments for patients with ADHD for patients >5 years
Centrally acting sympathomimetics
Methylphenidate (first line)
Or
(Lis)Dexamfetamine
For 6 weeks and if no longer improvement try the other one
What should be monitored when CNS stimulants are prescribed for ADHD
Pulse Blood pressure Appetite Weight Height Psychiatric symptoms
All monitored every 6 months
What schedule are the centrally acting sympathomimetics used for ADHD
Schedule 2
When should anti depressants be avoided in patients in bipolar disorder and mania?
In patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder
A recent history of hypomania
Manic episode
Rapid mood fluctuations
Why should benzodiazepines not be used for long periods of time in patients with bipolar disorder and mania?
Risk of dependence
When are carbamazepine used in bipolar disorder and mania?
In patients unresponsive to a combination of other prophylactic drugs
Used in patients with rapid-cycling manic depressive illness
What is valproate used for in bipolar and mania
Valporic acid and sodium valporate are widely used for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder
When is lithium indicated for use in bipolar and mania disorder
MOOD STABILISER
Prophylaxis and treatment of mania, hypomania and depression in bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder
Also used for the treatment of aggressive and self harming behaviour
What should you caution with the use of benzo
Hepatic impairment as it can lead to coma
How do first generation antipsychotics work
They block the dopamine receptor in the brain
Common side effects of first generation antipsychotic
EPSE- extra pyramidal side effects
- Parkinson’s symptoms (such as tremor)
- Dystonia (abnormal face and body movement)
- Akathisia (restlessness)
- Tardative dyskinesia (involuntary movement of the jaw face and tongue)
Raised prolactin (dopamine inhibits prolactin release and antipsychotics block dopamine receptors)
Examples of first generation antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine
Haloperidol
Flupentixol
How do Second generation antipsychotics work
They act on a range of receptors on the brain
Examples of second generation antipsychotics
Aripipazole
Clozapine
Olanzapine
Risperidone
Which group of people should antipsychotics be used with caution
Cardiovascular disease Parkinson’s Epilepsy Depression Respiratory disease
What should patients on antipsychotics be told to avoid
Sunlight
Which antipsychotic doesnt have hyperprolactinaemia as a side effect and why?
Aripiprazole
It’s a partial dopamine receptor agonist while all other antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists
Dopamine inhibits prolactin release
What should be monitored for a patient on antipsychotics
FBC, urea, electrolytes, LFTs
Lipid, weight, prolactin, blood pressure, blood glucose
Causation for chlorpromazine dispensing (antipsychotic)
Tablets should not be handled
What is clozapine indicated for and what needs to be monitored
Schizophrenia
Monitor WBC
Why should lithium be prescribed by brand name
It has a narrow therapeutic index and the bioavailability of preparations vary
When can toxic effects present with lithium use
What’s the therapeutic effect
Above 1.5 mol/L
0.6-1.2
Why should concurrent use of lithium and diuretics (especially thiazide) be avoided
Lithium toxicity is worsened by sodium depletion
What is long term use of lithium linked to
Thyroid problems
Should be monitored every 6 months
Why’s it important to prescribe valproate by brand name
It includes sodium valproate and valporic acid which have different indications
Valporic acid- mania in bipolar disorder and migraine prophylaxis
Sodium valproate- epilepsy and other types of mania
If the response to antipsychotics is not adequate in acute episodes of mania and hypomania , what can be added
Lithium or valproate
Effects of increased prolactin from antipsychotic use
Sexual dysfunction
Breast enlargement
Milk production from women (galactorrhoea)
Which anytipsychotics are cautioned in diabetes and why?
Clozapine olanzapine Quetiapine and respiridone
Can cause hyperglycaemia
Which antipsychotics can cause weight gain
Clozapine and olanzapine
What are the signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and what is is causes by
Hyperthermia
Muscle rigidity
Sweating
Urinary incontinence
Rare but serious side effect of antipsychotics and donepezil
What is usually the first benefit of antidepressant treatment
Improvement of sleep
What treatment should be given for mild depression
Psychological therapy
What are the classes of antidepressants
Tricyclics (TCA)
Selective serotonin reputable inhibitor (SSRI)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Safest antidepressant for a patient who has had an MI or has unstable angina
Sertraline
What is St. John wort
A herbal medicine sold for treating mild depression
What is a common side effect of all antidepressant especially SSRI
Hyponatraemia
What signs should you look out for in hyponatraemi
Drowsiness
Confusion
Convulsion
The 3 major symptoms of serotonin syndrome
- Neuromuscular hyperactivity (tremor, hyperreflexia, rigidity)
- Autonomic dysfunction (tachycardia, BP changes, hyperthermia, shivering)
- Altered mental state (agitation, confusion, mania)
Acute anxiety (<4 weeks) is usually managed by benzodiazepines, what can long term anxiety be managed by
Antidepressant (SSRI then SNRI) Pregabalin can be tried if this fails Beta blocker Barbiturates Buspirone
After how long of using an antidepressant can it be deemed ineffective
4 weeks
How long should antidepressant be carried on for
6 months in a otherwise healthy patient
2 years in patients with history of recurrent depression
When should an augmenting agent (lithium, antipsychotic) be added to a depressive treatment
If the fail to respond to an SSRI, try increase the dose or another or Mirtazapine (alpha-2 adrenal receptor antagonist)
Failure to respond to that and other classes like SNRI (Venlafaxine) and TCA
Then an augmenting agent may be indicated
Apart from depression what else can SSRI be used for
Panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety disorder.
Examples of tricyclics and how they work
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Inhibit the re uptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline
What other uses can TCA have other than depression
Anxiety and agitation
Neuropathic pain
Common side effects of TCA drugs
Antimuscarinic effects like Dry mouth Blurred vision Urinalysis retention Constipation
Drug Interactions with amitriptyline
Warfarin- increase or decrease INR
interact with antiepileptic
Examples of SSRI antidepressant
Citalopram
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
What’s the only SSRI effective in people under 18?
Fluoxetine
Drug interactions with SSRI
Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding
Warfarin
Antiepileptic
Antipsychotics
Duloxetine drug class and when is it indicated?
SNRI
Major depression, anxiety, painful diabetic neuropathy, and stress urinalysis incontinence in women
Mirtazapine drug class and how it works
Alpha receptor blocker
Increases noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmission by blocking alpha receptors
Common effects of Mirtazapine
Sedation
Weight gain
Name the irreversible MAOI
Isocarboxazid
Phenelzine
Tranylcypromide
Examples of SNRI
Duloxetine
Venlafaxine
What medication is given for control of deviant antisocial sexual behaviour
First generation antipsychotic- benperidol
Which class of antipsychotics are better at treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Second generation antipsychotics
What’s the MHRA alert for most antipsychotic depot injections
The preparation is used for maintenance treatment and should not be used for the rapid control of acute episodes
What is cerebral palsy
Permanent, non-progressive abnormalities of the developing fetal or neonatal brain that lead to movement and posture disorders causing activity limitation and functional impact
What is motor neurone disease
A neurodegenerative condition affecting the brain and spinal cord
Symptoms include muscle cramps, wasting and stiffness, loss of dexterity, reduced respiratory function and cognitive dysfunction
What drug can be used in essential tremor or to control movement disorder
Tetrabenazine
What is Parkinson’s disease
A progressive neurogenerative condition resulting from the death of dopaminergic cells of the substantia Nigra in the brain
What are the motor symptoms people with Parkinson’s disease present with
Motor symptoms including: hypokinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity, rest tremor and postural instability
What are the non motor symptoms people with Parkinson’s present with
Dementia, depression, sleep disturbance, bladder and bowel dysfunction, speech and language changes, swallowing problems and weight loss
What’s the first line drug treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease where QOL is affected
Co-careldopa or benserazide
What’s the first line drug treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease where QOL is not affected
Levodopa (non ergot derived dopamine receptor agonist)
or
monoamine oxidase B inhibitor (eg: rasagiline and selegiline)
What are nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Daytime sleepiness and sudden onset of sleep
Postural hypotension
Depression
Psychotic symptoms
Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder
Drooling of saliva
Parkinson’s disease dementia
What is the aim of treatment for Parkinson disease
As the disease is not curable the aim is to improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s
When is Parkinson’s drug treatment started
When symptoms reach a level where they are causing a significant impact on daily life
Why should Anti-Parkinson drugs be initiated gradually in the elderly
Can cause confusion
Give examples of dopamine receptor agonist
Pramipexole
Ropinirole
Rotigotine
Apomorphine
What do you levodopa containing drugs interact with
MAOIs
How is using MAOBIs with levodopa useful
Reduces the ‘end-of-dose’ deterioration experience
How does Entacapone, Opicapone and Tolcapone (COMT inhibitor) work
Prevents the peripheral breakdown of levodopa giving it greater opportunity to reach the brain
Common side effect of Entacapone (COMT inhibitors)
Can colour the urine a reddish brown colour
What is prolonged levodopa use associated with
Weight loss
What can be given to treat nausea and vomiting associated with dopaminergic drugs
Domperidone
Why can dopamine agonists be preferred in the long term for younger patients
Associated with fewer dyskinesia and motor fluctuations
What negative behavioural symptom are levodopa AND dopamine receptor agonists associated with
Compulsive or disinhibited behaviour
Eg: Gambling, hypersexuality, binge eating