Drugs to Treat Bipolar Disorders Flashcards
What are the illness phases of bipolar disorder?
- acute mania: bipolar I disorder
- acute hypomania: bipolar II disorder
-
bipolar depression: bipolar I or II
- CANNOT treat with only an anti-depressant; could bring pt out of depression and flip them into a maniac episode (need to combo with a mood stabilizer)
-
bipolar maintenance: bipolar I or II
- neither manic nor depressed
- in a sense, treating many disorders at once
- some meds are useful for all of the phases
LITHIUM in the tx of Bipolar Disorder
-
first‐line treatment for bipolar disorder
- first and oldest tx, still one of the most effective
- effective in all illness phases: acute mania, depression, maintenance tx
- may be better in tx mania tha bipolar depression
- may be better in preventing relapses of mania than bipolar depression
-
***only drug proven to reduce risk of suicide in bipolar I patients
- VERY useful and rare
- can enhance antidepressant effectiveness in the treatment of major depression
- may take days to weeks (2-3w) to produce a full therapeutic effect
- need to make a dosage adjustment
LITHIUM MOA
- Li+ therapeutic action in tx of bipolar disorder is unclear
- Most accepted MOA involves 2nd messenger enzymes that affect NT action
- Inositol recycling: Li+ inhibits a number of enzymes involved in inositol recycling
- Protein kinase C: Li+ may affect specific isozymes of protein kinase C
- Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3): Li+ inhibits GSK‐3 synthesis
- can effect NT and their release
- may enhance the effects of serotonin
- may decrease NE & DA turnover (may be relevant to antimanic effects)
- may augment synthesis of acetylcholine
- **effects on electrolytes and ion transport (due to similarity to Na+)
LITHIUM PK
- 100% absorbed from the GI tract (peak levels in 0.5‐2 hrs)
- Blood level monitoring
- half‐life | 20 hrs; draw 5‐7 days after starting med or med dose change
- requires trough blood level, draw ~12 hours after last dose of medication
- narrow therapeutic window (narrowest window for psych meds)
- acute mania treatment (0.6‐1.2 mEq/L)
- Bipolar maintenance treatment (0.6‐0.7 mEq/L)
- Lithium toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L)
- 0% protein binding; No (hepatic) metabolites
- Lithium removal is almost entirely by the kidney;
- Glomerulus: Li+ freely filtered
- Proximal renal tubule: Li+ mostly reabsorbed in parallel with Na+
- Collecting duct: Li+ reabsorbed by principal cells epithelial Na+ channel
LITHIUM Drug-Drug Interactions. DIURETICS
- Urinary alkalization (Acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, methazolamide)
- Inhibition of proximal tubule reabsorption of HCO3-
-
Na+ (Li+) accompanying HCO3- (instead of being reabsorbed)
- lead to an INCREASE of HCO3 at DCT and some Na+(Li+) reabsorption…but: NET LOSS of Na+ (Li+)
- DECREASE in Li+ level
-
Na+ (Li+) accompanying HCO3- (instead of being reabsorbed)
- Inhibition of proximal tubule reabsorption of HCO3-
- Osmotic diuretics (Mannitol, Urea); CA-i
- increase tubular fluid osmolality
- impaired reabsorption of fluid
- increased excretion of H2O (some Na+ (Li+) accompanies)
- overall DECREASE in Li+ level
- increase tubular fluid osmolality
- Loop diuretics:
- inhibits co-transport system of ThickALoH
- decreases medulla hypertonicity
- inability to concentrate urine
- Na+ loss (Li+ loss +/-)…exception to the rule)
- minor variable effects on Li+ level (+/-/0)
- inhibits co-transport system of ThickALoH
- Thiazide diuretics:
- inhibits NaCl reabsoprion in DCT
- diuresis intially leads to Na+ (Li+) loss
- BUT compensatory proximal tubular reabsorption of Na+ (Li+) causes and INCREASE in Li+ level
- inhibits NaCl reabsoprion in DCT
- K+ sparing diuretics (SPIRONOLACTONE)
- Antagonize aldosterone receptors in the cortical collecting tubule
- decrease Na+ (Li+) reabsorption in late DCT
- INCREASE Li+ levels (compensatory proximal tubular reabsorption?)
- Antagonize aldosterone receptors in the cortical collecting tubule
- K+ sparing diuretics (AMILORIDE)
- Lithium’s action after being absorbed by the collecting tubule’s principal cells is believed to be part of the cause of Li+ induced Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI)
- Amiloride blocks Na+ (Li+) reabsorption at the collecting tubule and may successfully tx Li+ induced NDI
- ACE Inhibitors & Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
- Inhibits Angiotensin II production
- decreases aldosterone (aldosterone normally increases Na+ resorption at the collecting tubule)
- decreases Na+ resorption: Na+ loss (Li+ loss)
- INCREASES Li+ levels (compensatory proximal tubular reabsorption?)
LITHIUM general SE
bold=common, star=rare
- Derm: acne, psoriasis, rashes, alopecia
- Endocrine: decreased thyroid, increased parathyroid**
- hypothyroidism-decreased thyroud fxn
- weight gain, mental slowness, fatigue, depressed mood, constipation, cold intolerance
- symptoms overap with depression and other Li+ SE (increased weight)
- common; seen in 10-50% (5W:1M)
- hypothyroidism-decreased thyroud fxn
- GI: N/D
- Heme: increased WBC’s
- Neuro: fine tremor, decreased conc, sedation (sedation may decrease over time)
- Other: Edema & weight gain (gradual)
- initial weight gain: Li acting like Na -> thirst and some water accumulation
- long-term weight gain: slowly over time, may also be due to decrease in thyroid fxn, may be from increase in eating secondary to depression
- W>M
LITHIUM severe SE
-
Renal issues:
-
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI)
- Commonly effects kidney ability to concentrate urine (polyuria) which leads to fluid intake (polydipsia); this is drug-induced NDI
- [Not a S-T risk] risk for patients on lithium L-T (10+ ys)
- A common (L-T) risk; 10%-60% patients on L-T Li+ may develop NDI
- Episode(s) of Li+ toxicity increase risk
- Amiloride may treat NDI (see diuretic section)
-
Mild renal insufficiency
- Glomerular & interstitial changes seen from chronic (yrs) Li+ tx.
- Slow decrease in fxn—20% of pt’s GFR slowly decreases; progression to ESRD due to Li+ (rare)
- Patients w/ renal impairment require more cautious (lower) dosing of Li+
-
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI)
-
Cardiac‐rare
- arrhythmia, severe sinus node dysfunction (bradycardia*,sick sinus syndrome*)
LITHIUm toxicity
- mild: stop Li, restart at lower dose a couple days later
- moderate: tx like mild, may also need some supportive care
- severe: dialysis
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Managing pts on LITHIUM
- before starting Li+
- TSH
- renal fxn
- ECG-if pt >50 yo
- weight (BMI)
- pregnancy test!
- After starting Li+
- Li+ level-needs to be therapeutic
- When stable; every 6-12 mo check the following:
- TSH
- renal fxn
- weight (BMI)
- Li+ level
ANTI-convulsants (Mood Stabilizers)-KENE vs. KOTE
- Valproic acid (VPA; DepaKENE)=liquid, hard on the stomach; always take with food to decrease N/D
- Divalproex Sodium (DepaKOTE)
- 1:1 molar ratio of VPA and sodium valproate
- white powder that is made into a pill and entericlaly coated
- enteric coat (“kote”) helps decrease N/D
KENE/KOTE MOA
- GABA reuptake inhibitor
- influences 2nd msgr enzymes (GSK-3)
- blockade of voltage-dependent sodium channels
- blocks sustained high frequency neuronal firing rates (anti-epiliptogenic effect)
KENE/KOTE PK
- 100 absorbed
-
highly (90%) protein bound
- unbound fraction crosses the BBB and exerts pahrmacologic activity
- therapeutic range: 50-125 ug/mL (monitor blood levels)
- t1/2=12 hrs
- DDI
-
protein displacement:
- displaces other protein bound drugs (Ex: PHENYTOIN-Dilantin…increased PHENYTOIN free fraction=potential toxicity)
- also: CARBAMAZEPINE, DIAZEPAM
- may itself be displaced (caffeine, aspirin) from serum proteins=increased free fraction and possible toxicity
- displaces other protein bound drugs (Ex: PHENYTOIN-Dilantin…increased PHENYTOIN free fraction=potential toxicity)
- inhibits hepatic metablism
- inhibits metabolism of other anti-convulsants=risk of toxicity
- VPA interaction with LAMOTRIGINE:
- inhibits phase 2 glucoronidation PW that inactivates and eliminates LAMOTRIGINE (CYP450 system NOT involved)
- increases LAMOTRIGINE levels (2-3x) leads to an increased risk of LAMOTRIGINE SE
-
protein displacement:
KENE/KOTE SE
- Derm: alopecia*
- GI: Nausea (avoid by giving with food or use enteric coated Depakote) V/D, mildly increased LFT’s; pancreatitis*
- Heme: decreased platelets*
- Neuro: ataxia, headache, dizziness, tremor, sedation
- x Other: increased ammonia level, weight gain, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- increased suicide risk*
KENE/KOTE Toxicity
- typically from med OD:
- CNS depression
- decreased BP
- metabolic acidosis
- abnml electrolytes
- toxicity can happen from therapeutic use:
-
mild increase in LFTs-very common (lamost 50% pts)
- reversible with med discontinuation
- Hepatotoxicity-greatest risk: kids <2 yo who are also treated with other drugs
-
HYPERammonemia:
- may be dose related; LFTs may be nml
- if ammonia level high, VPA is discontinued
- if severe (HYPERammonemic encephalopathy) tx with L-carnitine
-
mild increase in LFTs-very common (lamost 50% pts)
Managing Pts on KENE/KOTE
- before starting:
- LFTs
- platelet count
- weight (BMI)
- pregnancy test!
- After starting:
- VPA level needs to be therapeutic
- When stable, every 6-12 months
- LFTs
- platelet count
- weight (BMI)
- VPA level
CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) MOA + Indication
- Used to be 2nd line treatment; now 3rd line behind SGA for tx of bipolar mania; bipolar maintenance treatment
-
MOA: not completely clear
- reduces Na+ influx and depresses synaptic transmission;
- reduces release of NE and excitatory AA such as glutamate
- adenosine receptor agonist (caffeine=adenosine receptor ANTagonist)
CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) PK
- erratic absorption
- medium protein binding (70‐80%)
- structurally similar to TCA’s (tricyclic compound)
- Therapeutic range: 4-12 ug/mL (monitor blood levels)
- therapeutic range established for treating seizures
- therapeutic range for treating a manic episode NOT established (though clinically the range for treating seizure disorders is what is used)
-
**CYP450 effects
- strong inducer of various CYP450 enzymes (1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2D6, 3A4) that INCREASE metabolism of many drugs (OCP, warfarin, theophylline, doxycycline, haloperidol, TCA’s, VPAs‐most anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines)
- carbamazepine levels can be INCREASED by CYP450 3A4 inhibitors (fluoxetine, cimetidine, erythromycin, isoniazid)
- carbamazepine auto‐induces its own metabolism
- PRE-auto induction half‐life = 24 hrs
- POST‐auto‐induction half‐life = 8 hrs
- carbamazepine levels can be DECREASED by P450 3A4 inductors (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
-
**hepatic metabolism to 10,11‐epoxide: can cause neurologic side effects
- induces UDP-glucuronosyltransferases
CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) SE/Toxic Effects
- Derm: rash (Stevens Johnson Syndrome)*
- SJS is more common in pts of Asian ancestry who have human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele HLA‐B*1502
- GI: N/V, mild increase in LFTs, hepatotoxic**
- Heme: decreased WBC’s, aplastic anemia**, agranulocytosis** [1/100,000 (0.001%)]
- Neuro: ataxia, diploplia, dizziness**, tremor, **sedation
- Other: decreased Na, weight gain; increased suicide risk**
- Teratogenic: risk of neural tube defects (0.9%)
LAMOTRIGINE (Lamictal) MOA + Indication
- (NOT useful in treating acute manic episode)
- approved for:
- bipolar long‐term maintenance treatment
- bipolar depression
-
MOA: not completely clear
- inhibits release of glutamate (excitatory AA)
- inhibits voltage sensitive Na+ channels resulting in stabilization of neuronal membranes that mediate PRE-synaptic transmitter release of excitatory AA
LAMO-TRIGINE (Lamictal) PK
- low protein binding (55%)
- metabolized primarily by glucuronidation
-
DDI:
- Valproate can DBL Lamo-trigine’s plasma levels
- OCPs can DECREASE lamotrigine’s plasma level by 50%
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)‐induced enzymes (i.e. CYP3A4) can:
- INCREASE metabolism of Lamo-trigine
- DECREASE Lamo-trigine’s plasma level
- Lamo-trigine can induce own metabolism
LAMO-TRIGINE (Lamictal) SE
- alcohol may INCREASE the SE severity
- **Derm: rash (benign or SJS*)
- benign: ~10%
- SJS: 0.02-0.10 % and happens within 8 wks
- GI: Nausea, vomiting
- Neuro: ataxia, HA, dizziness, dbl vision, blurred vision, fatigue
- Heme: DECREASED WBCs, blood dyscrasias* (agranulocytosis*, aplastic anemia*)
- Other: insomnia
Second Gen ANTI-psychotics (SGA) used in treating Bipolar Disorder
- many approved for treating acute mania (in combo with a mood stabilizer)
- severe bipolar mania-psychosis, suicidal/homicidal/dangerous behavior
- these pts also generally require in-pt hospitalization
- start trial of: Li+ + SGA -or- Depakote + SGA
- Several are approved for maintenance tx
- 3 approved for Bipolar depression
- severe bipolar mania-psychosis, suicidal/homicidal/dangerous behavior
LITHIUM-Bipolar meds teratogenic risks
- 1st trimester exposure INCREASES risk of Ebstein’s anomaly (congenital cardiac defects)
- revised risk calculation
- initial: 400x general pop/2%/1-in-50
- revised: 0.05 to 0.1% (betwen 1 in 1,000-2,000)
- general pop risk 0.005% (1-in-20,000)
- Li+ levels may DECREASE during pregnancy (INCREASED GFR as pregnancy progresses) and are INCREASED after delivery (DECREASED GFR late 3rd trimester)
- Li+ toxicity in newborns (lethargy, cyanosis, poor suck and Moro refleces, cardia arrhythmias, muscle flaccidity)
Pregnancy and Bipolar Meds-General
- Baseline incidents of major fetal malformation in general population is 2‐5%
- For pregnant women w/ bipolar disorder, risk of a manic episode is INCREASED d/r the pregnancy AND in the post‐partum period
***[KENE/KOTE];VPA; Sodium Valproate (Depakote)-Bipolar meds teratogenic risks
- greatest risk of serious birth defects of ALL psychotropic meds
- risk of neural tube defects: 3-5% (12-16x gen pop rate) […or is it 1-2% (10-20x gen pop]
CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol)-Bipolar meds teratogenic risks
INCREASED risk of neural tube defect (Spina Bifida; about 0.9%) if used during pregnancy–lower thn with Sodium Valproate (Depakote)
LAMO-TRIGINE (Lamictal)-Bipolar meds teratogenic risks
- appears least teratogenic risk of mood stabilizers
- possible risk of cleft palate
ANTI-psychotics-Bipolar meds teratogenic risks
- FGA and SGA prental exposure
- same incidence of major physical malformations as general population