Drug side effects

Question 1

Traditional Antipsychotics

Answer 1

1. Anticholinergic (DUCT)
2. Extrapyramidal (resting tremor, slow movement, dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia)
3. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (muscle rigidity, fever, tachycardia, confusion) * Life threatening

Question 2

Atypical Antipsychotics

Answer 2

MAAN

M- Metabolic Syndrome

A- Anticholingeric

A- Agranulorcytosis

N- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

*Less likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms.

Question 3

SSRI’s

Answer 3

1. Mild anticholingeric effects
2. Sexual dysfunction
3. GI issues
4. Insomnia
5. Anxiety
6. Discontinue syndrome (head ache, flu like sx, impaired concentration, sleep disturbances)

*Less cardio toxic vs. tricyclics
*Safer for older adults

Question 4

Serotonin Syndrom

Answer 4

Combine SSRI with tricyclic, MAOI’s or Lithium

STATCH

S-seizures
T-tachycardia
A- agitation
T-tremor
C- confusion/delirium
H-hyperthermia

Question 5

SNRI

Answer 5

*May be more effective for severe depression

1. anticholinergic symptoms
2. serotonin syndrome
3. sexual dysfunction
4. elevated blood pressure
5. discontinue syndrome

Question 6

NDRI

Answer 6

DIS WAAS

D- dizziness
I- insomnia
S - Skin rash
W-weight loss
A- appetite loss
A- agitation
S- seizures

*fewer anticholinergic
*no sexual dysfunction
*not cardio toxic
*Used for those with low energy

Question 7

Tricyclic’s

Answer 7

-cardio valcular issues
-anticholinergic
-sedation
-weight gain
-sexual dysfunction

*lethal with overdose

Question 8

MAOI’s

Answer 8

SSHOA

S-sedation
S-sexual dysfunction
H-hypertensive crisis (tyramine)
O-orthostatic hypotension
A-anticholinergic

Question 9

Benzodiazepine

Answer 9

-drowsiness/sedation
-weakness
-unsteady
-impaired memory
-anticholinergic
-sexual dysfunction
*older adults causes confusion and disorientation

-paradoxical effects (more anxious)

*with blood pressure meds = dangerously low blood pressure.

Question 10

Barbiturates

Answer 10

-drowsiness
-dizziness
-confusion
-ataxia
-cognitive impairments
-paradoxical effects

Question 11

Opioids

Answer 11

-dry mouth
-nausea
-pupil constriction
-postural hypotension
-drowsiness
-dizziness
-constipation
-respiratory depression

*overdose causes convulsions, coma or death

Question 12

Beta blockers

Answer 12

-hypotension
-decrease sex drive
-insomnia
-nausea
-dry eyes
-dizziness
-depression

Question 13

Lithium

Answer 13

-nausea
-diarrhea
-metalic taste
-increase thirst
-weight gain
-hand tremors
-fatigue
-impaired memory

*lithium toxicity

Question 14

Anticonvulsants

Answer 14

LAAND

L-lethargy
A- ataxia
A- agranulocytosis
N- nausea
D- dizziness

Question 15

Psychostimulants

Answer 15

-insomnia
-nervousness
-decreased appetite
-weight loss
-abdominal pain

*stunted growth in children (need holidays)

Question 16

Anticholinergic Side Effects

Answer 16

Associated with neuroleptics (aka, antipsychotics) anxiolytics (aka benzo and barbits) and antidepressants (aka, SSRI, SNRI, Tricyc & MOAI) *not NDRIs

Acronym is DUCT

D- dry mouth
U -urinary retention
C - constipation
T- tachycardia

Question 17

Extrapyramidal Side effects

Answer 17

Most associated with traditional antipsychotics

Acronym DAPT

D -Dystonia (muscle contractions)
A -Akathisia (inner restlessness)
P- Parkinsonism (slowness, tremors, muscle stiffness)
T-Tardive Dyskinesia (most common in women and older adults)

*Treatment includes gradually going off and using a anxiolytic to help with sedation or switching to a atypical antipsychotic

Question 18

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Answer 18

*Life threatening

Think of “Oh Fac!”

Acronym FAC
F-ferver
A- autonomic arousal (tachycardia)
C- cognitive impairments (confusion)

*treatment is to immediately stop use and to seek medical care.

Question 19

Metabolic Syndrome

Answer 19

Most associated with Atypical Antipsychotics

Acronym WHHID
W-weight gain
H- hypoglycemia
H-high blood pressure
I- increased risk for heart disease
D- diabetes