Drugs: Adjunct Therapy For Pain

Question 1

What are the 3 types of adjunctive therapeutic agents?

Answer 1

1. Antianxiety & muscle relaxants
2. Antidepressants
3. Anticonvulsants

Question 2

What type of drug is Benzodiazepine?

Answer 2

Antianxiety & muscle relaxant.

NOT AN ANALGESIC.
- it simple calms and sedates patient

Question 3

What type of drug is Amitriptyline?

Answer 3

Tricyclic antidepressant

Question 4

How does Amitriptyline work?

Answer 4

It blocks the transporters (reuptake pump) at the pre-synaptic membrane
- tricyclic antidepressant

• prevents re-uptake of NE
• increases CNS serotonin & NE post-synapse
• prevents breakdown of NE by monoamine oxidase (MAO) at pre-synaptic membrane

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of using Amitriptyline?

Answer 5

1. CVS
   - tachycardia, postural hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia
2. Anticholinergic effects
   - dry mouth, blurring of vision, constipation & urinary retention
3. CNS
   - sedation

Question 6

What type of drug is Phenytoin & Carbamazepine?

Answer 6

Anticonvulsants/antiepileptics

Question 7

How does Phenytoin and Carbamazepine work?

Answer 7

• decrease membrane excitability by inhibiting Na+ channels
• enhance GABA