CNS Flashcards
neurotransmitter that causes whole brain arousal, stimulates appetite, and is the neurotransmitter in reinforcement pathways.
Norepinephrine
The most basic neurotransmitter involved in primitive functions that affects biologic drives like sex and anger/rage, coordinates movement, and is also the primary neurotransmitter involved in emotion and reinforcement pathways. There are at least 5 different receptors for this neurotransmitter that, when stimulated, elicit different effects.
Dopamine
The most ubiquitous neurotransmitter in the body that assists with all parasympathetic nerves. In the brain, it plays a major role in attention, learning, and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is a result of degeneration of these neurons.
Acetylcholine (Ach)
neurotransmitter is involved with sleep/wake cycles, mood, chronic pain, and hunger. There are more than 20 different receptors for this one
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTseries)
neurotransmitter that inhibits transmission from one nerve to the next in the CNS
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)
Anxiety, panic, anorexia, excitability, insomnia
Norepinephrine
too much __________= Psychoses, Tourette’s Syndrome
Dopamine
too much _________= Delirium/confusion
Acetylcholine (Ach)
too much ___________= Sleep-hallucinations
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTseries)
too much ___________= CNS depression, Respiratory depression, Sedation
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)
too little ____________=Depression, ADD, or ADHD
Norepinephrine
too little ____________=Parkinson’s Disease, ADD, or ADHD
Dopamine
too little ____________=Alzheimer’s
Acetylcholine (Ach)
too little ____________=Depression-OCD, Increased pain sensitivity, Anxiety
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTseries)
too little ____________=Seizures
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)
Drugs that affect ___________:
SNRIs, Tricyclic Anti-depressants, MAOIs
Norepinephrine
Drugs that affect ___________:
Antipsychotics
Dopamine
Drugs that affect ___________:
ACHEIs
Acetylcholine (Ach)
Drugs that affect ___________:
SSRIs, SNRIs, Atypicals, TCAs, MAOIs
Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTseries)
Drugs that affect ___________:
Benzodiazepines, Sedatives, Hypnotics
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)
an activating neurotransmitter associated with learning, thought, and emotion
Glutamate
neurotransmitter that provides relief from pain and promotes feelings of pleasure/well-being.
Endorphins
GAD is treated with:
Benzodiazepines, SSRI, Buspirone, psychotherapy
Acute (Situational) Anxiety is treated with:
Benzodiazepines, antihistamines
Panic Disorder (PD) is treated with:
Benzodiazepines, SSRI
Medications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Paroxetine (Paxil) duloxetine (Cymbalta) escitalopram (Lexapro) venlafaxine (Effexor)
GAD
Medications for ________:
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Propranolol (Inderal®)
Atenolol (Tenormin®)
Acute (Situational) Anxiety
Medications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Fluoxetine (Prozac) Paroxetine (Paxil) Sertaline (Zoloft) Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Panic Disorder (PD)
MOA of ____________:
act by boosting the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA which results in a fast onset of sedation and anxiolytic effect / also work as an anti-convulsant and muscle relaxant
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazeines treat anxiety and ____________
seizure disorders
Benzodiazepines are Schedule ___ drugs
IV
Benzodiazepines have low potential for abuse when used ___________
short-term
The combination of ________ and benzodiazepines can lead to severe respiratory depression and death!!!!
opioids
routine daily use of Benzodiazepines may lead to _______________ and is highly discouraged
physical dependence
As a cautious prescriber, even if you state the patient could take Benzodiazepines up to _____ PRN severe anxiety, prescribe no more than ___ tablets with no refills
TID; 30
a patient who has chronically used benzodiazepines, abrupt discontinuation can cause _________; therefore, discontinuation should be gradually tapered over many weeks.
seizures
benzodiazepines are often used for immediate relief from an acute anxiety attack until a safer anxiolytic agent (______ or ________) can take effect and/or resolve insomnia
SSRI/SNRI or Buspirone
benzodiazepines with ________ onset of action are associated with the highest potential for abuse.
fastest
Benzodiazepines are metabolized in the ______
liver
Caution with ___________ food and drugs with benzodiazepines
CYP450
In the CNS, this drug causes: Sedation Decreased anxiety Muscle relaxation Anti-convulsant action
Benzodiazepines
benzodiazepine with a fairly long half-life that effectively treats spasms and decreases seizure activity
Diazepam (Valium)
benzodiazepine with a moderate half-life that acts immediately to resolve symptoms– so it is the most addictive
Alprazolam (Xanax)
benzodiazepine with slower onset and shorter half-life commonly used for anxiety
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Commonly treated with \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) Panic attacks Social anxiety
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
For patient with severe anxiety, Rx __-week course of an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine PRN Q 8 hrs. to provide relief until an SSRI/SNRI can take effect.
2
Safety Concerns for ___________:
not for long term treatment of anxiety (up to a year)
Levels may be increased by grapefruit juice, erythromycin and ketoconazole
Buspirone (BuSpar)
SE of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: dizziness nausea headache drowsiness
Buspirone (BuSpar)
anxiety drug that is not habituating and does not have the side effect profile or abuse potential of the benzodiazepines since it is not a CNS depressant
Buspirone (BuSpar)
buspirone (Buspar) has a high affinity for _________ receptors and a lesser affinity for __________ receptors
serotonin; dopamine
efficacy of this drug is mixed and often the SSRIs that are indicated for anxiety offer better coverage for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Buspirone (BuSpar)
strong antihistamine used for anxiety that will cause side effects consistent with antihistamines but in patients with severe anxiety can offer some relief of anxiety
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
if the client has performance anxiety (stage fright), consider using a ___________ 1 hour before event to relieve the catecholamine-mediated autonomic symptoms without sedation
beta-blocker (Propanolol)
Ideally, insomnia medications should be given for a ________ duration
short
All __________ are indicated for short-term use–10 days maximum. These drugs can cause dependence. Rapid dose decreases of discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
EX of __________:
estazolam (ProSom)
flurazepam (Dalmane)
temazepam (Restoril)
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are not reccommended for the ___________ due to risk of:
falls
fractures
impairment
elderly
____________ Drugs:
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
zaleplon (Sonata)
zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR and Intermezzo).
Non-Benzodiazepine (“Benzodiazepine-Like”)
___________ is the only Non-Benzodiazepine (“Benzodiazepine-Like”) drug recommended for long-term use (all others are reccomended for max of 35 days)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
__________ drug:
Ramelton (Rozerem)
Melatonin Agonist
OTC 3 or 6 mg. No potential for addiction or tolerance and is inexpensive. It should not be taken with ramelteon (Rozerem).
Melatonin Herb
Antidepressants frequently used in treating insomnia in the elderly due to reassuring safety profiles.
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Due to significant SE, especially in elderly, _____ Antidepressants are rarely used to treat insomnia
Tricyclic
antihistamines used to treat insomnia (cause anticholinergic effects)
***Caution in:
Depression
Elderly
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
second-generation antipsychotic that causes sedation but it has multiple side effects and is costly. Avoid off-label use for insomnia.
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
If a patient suffers from mild depression and has difficulty with sleeping, _______________ is often given before bed due to its sedative effects. This medication produces a moderate blockade of 5HT reuptake. Overdose is less of a risk with this drug than with TCAs.
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Two drugs that are recommended for chronic insomnia (duration greater than 6 months)
Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Rozerem (ramelteon)
Patient Teaching for ___________:
- Do not take unless you have 7-8 hours to sleep
- Take on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before bedtime
- Drugs with long half-lives (eszopiclone) are associated with higher risk of next-day impairment
- Sleepwalking, sleep driving, sleep eating, sleep sex have been reported with zolpidem and other “Z-drugs”
- Do not use with other CNS depressants or alcohol
Insomnia
the best choice for anxiety treatment during pregnancy when a benzodiazepine is indicated and all other alternatives are ineffective
clonazepam (Klonopin)
a non-benzodiazepine that is used as an anxiolytic that is labeled as pregnancy category B, but use during pregnancy should be avoided due to limited data
Buspirone (BuSpar)
a non-benzodiazepine that is used as an anxiolytic that is labeled as pregnancy category B, but use during pregnancy should be avoided due to limited data
Buspirone (BuSpar)
a pregnancy category C non-benzodiazepine that may be used as a last resort, for short-term treatment of insomnia/anxiety in pregnancy
Zolpidem (Ambien)
benzodiazepines that should be avoided in breastfeeding due to long half-life
Diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Short-term use of these anxiolytic drugs with a shorter half-life are likely safe with breastfeeding
Midazolam (Versed) and Lorazepam (Ativan)
anxiolytic drug that is contraindicated while breastfeeding due to limited data
Buspirone (BuSpar)
short-term and small-dose use of this anxiolytic drug is likely safe while breastfeeding
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
Known to cause \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Citalopram (Celexa) Donepezil (Aricept) Escitalopram (Lexapro) Haloperidol (Haldol) Thioridazine (Mellaril)
QT prolongation
medications that block the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and some dopamine from the pre-synaptic neuron, thereby increasing the amount of neurotransmitter in the synapse…different ones block specific combinations of these neurotransmitter receptors in an attempt to refine the effects of the neurotransmitters
Antidepressants
Once a patient is in remission the antidepressant treatment should be continued for __ to __ months in order to promote complete recovery.
6-12
first-line most commonly used drugs for depression
SSRI and SNRI
It will take ___ to ___ weeks to see an initial effect of SSRI and up to ___ weeks to achieve a full effect
2-3
6
SSRI w/ increased risk of nausea (so reccommend taking them at bedtime)
paroxetine (Paxil)
citalopram (Celexa)
SSRI w/ increased risk of insomnia (so reccommend taking in the morning)
fluoxetine (Prozac)
a serious complication that occurs w/ use of serotonergic agents usually as a result of overdose or D2D interactions (especially MAOIs)
Symptoms:
confusion
agitation
clonus
fever
tremor
hyperreflexia
-can result in respiratory failure & death
*resolves w/ discontinuation of the drug
*consider in any patient on these drugs that presents w/ agitation/confucsion
serotinin syndrome
condition caused by abrupt discontinution of SSRIs
Symtpoms:
dizziness
headache
nausea
sensory disturbances
tremor
anxiety
dysphoria
-begins within days to weeks of the last dose and persist for 1-3 weeks
-resumption of drug will subside symptoms
withdrawal syndrome
Contraindications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Breastfeeding Patients w/ Sodium depletion Diuretics Anticholinergics
Lithium
Lithium is metabolized in the _________
kidneys
If hyponatremia occurs while on lithium, this happens
lithium reaches toxic levels
Drugs used for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Lithium Mood Stabilizers (AEDs) -valproic acid (Depakote) -Iamotrigine (Lamictal) -topiramate (Topamax) Atypical Antipsychotics
Bipolar Disorder
BBW for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Narrow therapeutic range Hepatotoxicity Panreatitis (children < 6 yo, pt. w/ mitochondrial disorders at higher risk)
Lithium
condition often caused by long-term use of Lithium
hypothyroidism
used to treat psychosis, delusions, & bipolar disorder & some have an indication as an adjunct for refractory depression (i.e., aripiprazole (Abilify). The APRN must be familiar w/the many side effects of these drugs & check for D2D interactions for every prescription.
Antipsychotics
class of meds was the first developed to treat schizophrenia with an MOA of blockage of dopamine-2 (D2) receptors (responsible for movement), which reduced the hyperactivity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
1st Generation “Conventional” Antipsychotics
SE of _____________:
Negative Extrapyramidal side effects such as tardive dyskinesia (which is sometimes irreversible)
Increase in prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) causing galactorrhea, amenorrhea, sexual dysfunction, & weight gain
1st Generation “Conventional” Antipsychotics
class of meds with MOA of D2 antagonism & serotonin-2A antagonism. The benefits are fewer negative side effects and they help w/ both the negative & positive symptoms of schizophrenia
2nd Generation “Atypical” Antipsychotics
SE of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Cardiometabolic risks: weight gain obesity dyslipidemia diabetes accelerated cardiovascular disease.
2nd Generation “Atypical” Antipsychotics
2nd Gen Atypical Antipsychotics w/ the lowest risk of SE
ziprasidone
aripiprazole
2nd Gen Atypical Antipsychotics w/ the highest risk of SE
clozapine
olanzapine
Indications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: ● Partial Seizures ● Generalized Tonic-Clonic ● Bipolar Disorder ● Trigeminal Neuralgia pain
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Indications for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: ● Partial ● Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) ● Simple ● Complex ------Prevents seizures after head trauma, neurosurgery, & hemorrhagic stroke
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Indications for ______________:
● Absence
(Generalized resulting in Petit Mal)
Succinimides: Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Iminostilbenes:
Valproic Acid (Depakote)*
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)*
SE of ____________:
Bone Marrow Suppression
SJS in Asians (Check for HLA-B1502 allele prior to starting)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
SE of ___________:
Hepatitis (common hypersensitivity reaction)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
these Antiepileptics have fewer SE’s and are the preferred meds for absence seizures
Valproic Acid (Depakote) Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
SE of ____________:
SJS (titrate slowly!)
Succinimides: Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Iminostilbenes:
Valproic Acid (Depakote)*
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)*
D2D Interactions of ____________:
Oral contraceptives
Folic Acid
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
D2D Interactions of ____________:
may reduce the therapeutic effect of Progestin and Estrogen contraceptives
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
drug used in combination w/ other anticonvulsants.
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
anticonvulsant safe in pregnancy but it interacts w/ folic acid so educate patient to take 4 mg Folic Acid daily
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
BBW for _____________:
Hypotension
Severe cardiac dysrhythmias
can occur with rapid IV infusion
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
BBW for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Contraindicated in: Sinus Bradycardia SA Block 2nd and 3rd degree AV block Stokes-Adams Syndrome Pregnancy category D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Safety for _____________:
Obtain platelet counts before initiating therapy and at regular intervals
Monitor for bleeding or bruises
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Most __________ drugs ARE lipophilic
antiepileptic
AAP considers ethosuximide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, & valproic acid to be compatible w/ ____________
breastfeeding
_____________ (anticonvulsant) is associated w/ numerous adverse neonatal effects & should only be used while breastfeeding if there are no alternatives
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Breastmilk levels of ___________ (anticonvulsants) are the lowest of the group. However, _______________ may be associated w/ infant hepatotoxicity & thrombocytopenia, so infants must be monitored accordingly.
phenytoin & valproic acid
valproic acid
For all ___________ drugs while breastfeeding, the infant should be monitored for jaundice, drowsiness & sedation, appropriate weight gain, & appropriate mental & behavioral development.
antiepileptic
____________ are used for seizures and as mood stabilizers.
antiepileptics
antiepileptic used in adults and children
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
menopausal women may need ________ supplementation while taking antiepileptic drugs
Calcium
Ideal contraceptive methods while patient is taking ______________ are progestin-only contraceptives (such as progestin-only pills or progestin-based injections, implants or IUDs), in combination w/ a barrier method.
antiepileptics
_____________ is commonly used for contraception during antiepileptic therapy… should be given w/in the shortest time interval possible (every ten weeks as opposed to twelve weeks).
medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) injection
___________ not only alters the metabolism of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) but its metabolism is altered by COCs.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ effects: dry mouth urinary hesitancy tachycardia constipation blurred vision
Anticholinergic
Drugs that cause ____________:
Sedatives/Hypnotics
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Anticholinergic Effects
drugs that cause EPS, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia
Conventional Antipsychotics
ubiquitous/abundant/common neurotransmitter in the body responsible for memory formation
○ Excitatory neurotransmitter for all parasympathetic nerves.
○ In the brain, it plays a major role in attention, learning, & memory formation in the hippocampus
○ Plays role in regulating REM sleep.
○ Alzheimer’s is a result of degeneration of cholinergic neurons.
Too much: Delirium/Confusion
Too little: Alzheimer’s
Acetylcholine (Ach)
an excitatory neurotransmitter causing cell death
○ Over excitation is cytotoxic
Glutamate
Neurotransmitters involved in Alzheimer’s
Acetylcholine (Ach) and Glutamate
____________ Drugs:
donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), & galantamine (Razadyne)
○ MOA: Prevents breakdown of acetylcholine
○ Excitatory neurotransmitter
○ Involved in learning & memory formation in hippocampus
○ Also, a role in regulating REM sleep cycles (Stahl, 2011)
○ Major SE: GI related - Weight loss, N/V/D, dizziness, muscle cramps, may increase seizure risk (rare)
○ Precautions: bradycardia, conduction defects, asthma, COPD
○ Drug Interactions:
anticholinergics- reduce effectiveness
NSAIDs- increase risk of GI bleed
antifungals- inhibit metabolism, increasing levels
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (mild to moderate Alzheimer’s)
______________ Drugs:
○ MOA: Blocks excessive excitation of NMDA receptors by glutamate as over excitation by glutamate is cytotoxic.
○ Plays a role in cognition, memory, learning.
○ Major side effects include dizziness, HA, constipation
○ Use cautiously in pts w/ renal impairment
○ Drug Interactions:drugs that raise urine pH (causes elevated levels)
other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, ketamine, & dextromethorphan)
N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) Receptor Antagonist (moderate to severe Alzheimer’s)
First line ADHD drugs:
○ Methylphenidate
○ Dextroamphetamine
Slow-dose & pulsatile drugs that amplify (NE) norepinephrine & (DA) dopamine signals that are low. Studies do not demonstrate a difference in efficacy among these drugs
Stimulants
these antidepressants are contraindicated in the elderly
TCAs and MAOIs
Due to decreased renal clearance, reduced hepatic function and frequently reduced albumin levels, the dose of ____________ is started at one-third to one-half of the usual starting adult dosage in the elderly
SSRIs and SNRIs
these drugs are frequently used in treating insomnia in the elderly d/t reassuring safety profiles
Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Trazodone (Desyrel)
this atypical antidepressant is often given at bedtime to elderly patients with insomnia and weight loss as it stimulates appetite, is sedating and exerts an antidepressant effect
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
vast majority of benzos are contraindicated in ________ except in rare instances where benefits outweigh the risk
pregnancy
conflicting studies surround _________ use in pregnancy…some studies show:
oral cleft
preterm labor
fetal growth restriction
“Floppy baby syndrome” (lack of tone, sluggishness, & difficulty w/ the sucking reflex) immediately after birth & newborn withdrawal up to three months
benzo
Short-term use of these benzos w/ a shorter half-life is likely safe w/ breastfeeding.
Midazolam (Versed) & Lorazepam (Ativan)
avoid these benzos w/ longer half-life in breastfeeding
Diazepam (Valium) & Clonazepam (Klonopin)
When all alternatives are ineffective, and a Benzo is indicated in pregnancy, short-term use of ____________ is the safest option
clonazepam (Klonopin)
While it is labeled as pregnancy Cat B, this non-benzo during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided due to limited data
busipirone (BuSpar)
non-benzo that is considered safe in breastfeeding due to low breastmilk levels and short half-life
zolpidem (Ambien)
these durgs are indicated for short-term use ONLY– 10 days max b/c they can cause dependence. Rapid dose decreases or discontinuation can cause w/drawal symptoms, including anxiety & insomnia.
Estazolam (ProSom)flu
razepam (Dalmane)
temazepam (Restoril)
If a pt suffers from mild depression & has difficulty w/ sleeping, _________ is often given before bed due to its sedative effects. This med produces a moderate blockade of 5HT reuptake. Overdose is less of a risk w/ this drug than w/ TCAs.
Trazodone
a unique agent that has been used as an aid for smoking cessation called ______.
DO NOT give to anyone who has a history of seizure risk!!!
Benefits: less sexual dysfunctio/ mild weight loss
Bupropion/ Zyban
When choosing an antidepressant therapy: pts w/ pain may achieve some pain relief w/ the use of these drugs
Duloxetine or TCA
the most studied antidepressant for use w/ children and is the only antidepressant recommended for use in children 8 yrs & above
fluoxetine (Prozac)
these drugs are first-line choice for breastfeeding mothers with PPD due to their low excretion into breastmilk
SSRIs:
sertraline (Zoloft)
paroxetine (Paxil)
fluvoxamine (Fluvox)
this drug is NOT first line for breastfeeding mothers w/ PPD
fluoxetine (Prozac)
this drug for bipolar disorder to contraindicated in pregnancy (Cat D) due to risk of CV defects so it may be temporarily discontinued until postpartum
Lithium
most significant SE that should be monitored during Atypical Antipsychotic therapy
cardiometabolic risks (weight gain, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, accelerated cardiovascular disease)
Major SE of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: GI related: Weight loss, N/V/D izziness muscle cramps may increase seizure risk (rare)
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
a woman w/ a history of birthing a child w/ a neural tube defect (NTD) or Diabetic woman, supplementation of _______should increase to ten times the daily recommended amount for pregnancy, to 4 mg/day for 3 months prior to conception
B9 and Folic Acid
Potential interactions of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: SSRIs (really, all antidepressants) Triptans Benzos Contraceptives some ABXs Digoxin.
St. Johns Wort
1 hourr of __________ is equivalent to 3 hrs of sleep. However, it is not recommended instead of sleep, but rather in addition to sleep.
Yoga Nidra
CNS Drugs that \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_: Chlorpromazine Citalopram Donepezil Escitalopram Haloperidol Thioridazine Trazodone
prolong QT interval