HIGH WEIGHTING - Central Nervous System Flashcards
DEMENTIA
What are the aims of treatment for dementia?
- Promote independence
- Maintain function
- Manage symptoms of dementia
DEMENTIA
(1) What non-drug treatment can be offered in dementia? (2) For which patient group does this apply?
(1) Structured group cognitive stimulation programme
(2) All types of mild-moderate dementia
DEMENTIA
What should be considered regarding antimuscarinic drugs in patients with dementia?
Anticholinergic burden
DEMENTIA
What should be considered regarding anticholinergic drugs in patients with dementia?
Anticholinergic burden
DEMENTIA
Why is anticholinergic burden a point of consideration for dementia patients?
Can increase cognitive impairment
DEMENTIA
Name some common drugs with anticholinergic effects.
- Amitriptyline
- Paroxetine
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotics
- Urinary antispasmodics
DEMENTIA
Give two examples of urinary antispasmodics.
- Tolterodine
- Solifenacin
DEMENTIA
What are the first line treatment options for mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
- Donepezil hydrochloride OR
- Galantamine OR
- Rivastigmine
DEMENTIA
What is first line treatment for moderate Alzheimer’s disease when acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are contraindicated?
Memantine hydrochloride
DEMENTIA
When is memantine hydrochloride considered suitable in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?
(1) Severe Alzheimer’s disease OR
(2) Moderate Alzheimer’s disease
- When acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are contraindicated
DEMENTIA
What is the first line treatment for severe Alzheimer’s disease?
Memantine hydrochloride
DEMENTIA
When is donepezil hydrochloride indicated in Alzheimer’s disease?
Mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
DEMENTIA
When can memantine hydrochloride be used as an additional therapy in Alzheimer’s disease?
Patients already receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
IF they develop moderate/ severe Alzheimer’s disease
DEMENTIA
What can be added for an Alzheimer’s patient who is already taking an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that develops moderate/ severe Alzheimer’s disease?
Memantine hydrochloride
DEMENTIA
Should acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors be discontinued in patients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
No
Can cause substantial worsening in cognitive function
DEMENTIA
What is the first line treatment for mild-moderate dementia with Lewy bodies?
Donepezil hydrochloride/ rivastigmine
DEMENTIA
When should galantamine be considered for dementia with Lewy bodies?
If BOTH donepezil hydrochloride and rivastigmine are not tolerated
DEMENTIA
What is the first line treatment for severe dementia with Lewy bodies?
Donepezil hydrochloride/ rivastigmine
DEMENTIA
When is memantine hydrochloride used in treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies?
Alternative when acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are contraindicated or not tolerated
DEMENTIA
When should acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine hydrochloride be considered in treatment of vascular dementia?
Suspected co-morbid Alzheimer’s OR
PD dementia OR
Dementia with Lewy bodies
DEMENTIA
Can acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine hydrochloride be used for treatment of frontotemporal dementia?
No
Not recommended
DEMENTIA
Can acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine hydrochloride be used for treatment of cognitive impairment caused by multiple sclerosis?
No
Not recommended
DEMENTIA
Name some non-cognitive symptoms of dementias.
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Distress
- Psychosis
DEMENTIA
For which symptoms should psychosocial and environmental interventions be used for in dementia treatment?
- Management of pain
- Management of delirium
- Reduce distress
DEMENTIA
When are antipsychotic drugs recommended for dementia patients?
- Risk of harming themselves/ others OR
- Experiencing agitations/ hallucinations/ delusions that are causing severe distress
DEMENTIA
Describe an MHRA warning for dementia regarding antipsychotic drug use.
Increased risk of stroke and small increased risk of death when antipsychotic drugs are used in elderly patients with dementia
DEMENTIA
Name some risk factors for cerebrovascular disease?
- Hypertension
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Diabetes
- Smoking
DEMENTIA
How often should antipsychotic drugs be reviewed in patients with dementia?
Every 6 weeks
Lowest effective dose should be maintained
DEMENTIA
What effect can antipsychotic drugs have on Parkinson’s disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies?
Can worsen motor functions
Can cause severe antipsychotic sensitivity reactions
DEMENTIA
(1) What psychological treatments are available for depression and anxiety associated with dementia?
(2) For which patient group does this apply?
(1)
- CBT
- Multisensory stimulation
- Relaxation
- Animal-assisted therapies
(2) Mild-moderate depression/ anxiety associated with mild-moderate dementia
DEMENTIA
When should antidepressants be considered for depression/ anxiety associated with dementia?
ONLY for pre-existing severe mental health problems
DEMENTIA
How are sleep disturbances managed for patients with dementia?
Non-drug approaches
- Sleep hygiene education
- Daylight exposure
- Increased exercise/ activity
DEMENTIA
Name the centrally acting anticholinesterases.
- Donepezil hydrochloride
- Rivastigmine
- Galantamine
DEMENTIA
Name an NMDA receptor antagonist associated with treatment of dementias.
Memantine hydrochloride
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is an anxiolytic?
Sedative
Induces sleep when given at night
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is a hypnotic?
Sedative
Sedates during the day
SLEEP DISORDERS
Why should anxiolytics and hypnotics be reserved for short courses?
May lead to withdrawal
SLEEP DISORDERS
What are the most common type of hypnotics and anxiolytics used?
Benzodiazepines
SLEEP DISORDERS
Briefly describe the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines.
Act at benzodiazepine receptors associated with GABA reecotirs
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) Are barbiturates and meprobamate recommended as hypnotics/ anxiolytics?
(2) Why?
(1) No
(2) More side-effects + interactions + more dangerous in overdose
SLEEP DISORDERS
What duration are benzodiazepines indicated for in short-term relief of anxiety that is severe, disabling, or causing unacceptable distress?
2-4 weeks ONLY
SLEEP DISORDERS
Should benzodiazepines be used for treatment of short-term mild anxiety?
No
Inappropriate use
SLEEP DISORDERS
When should benzodiazepines be used to treat insomnia?
- Severe OR
- Disabling OR
- Causing extreme distress
SLEEP DISORDERS
Why should withdrawal of a benzodiazepine be gradual?
May produce confusion/ toxic psychosis/ convulsions/ condition resembling delirium tremens
SLEEP DISORDERS
For how long after cessation of treatment can benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome occur?
Up to 3 weeks
- After stopping a long-acting benzodiazepine
Up to 24 hours
- After stopping a short-acting benzodiazepine
SLEEP DISORDERS
How is benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome characterised?
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of bodyweight
- Tremor
- Perspiration
- Tinnitus
- Perceptual disturbances
SLEEP DISORDERS
What are:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of bodyweight
- Tremor
- Perspiration
- Tinnitus
- Perceptual disturbances
symptoms of?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
SLEEP DISORDERS
How should benzodiazepine reduction rate be managed?
Flexible, at a rate that is tolerable for the patient
Should depend on initial dose/ duration of use/ clinical response
SLEEP DISORDERS
How long is it likely to take a patient who has used benzodiazepines for 2-4 weeks to taper off?
2-4 weeks
SLEEP DISORDERS
How long is it likely to take a patient who has used benzodiazepines long-term to taper off?
Period of several months or more
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is a suggested protocol for withdrawal of long-term benzodiazepine use?
(1) Transfer patient to diazepam, at equivalent daily dose, over about 1 week - preferably taken at night
(2) Reduce diazepam dose by 1-2mg every 2-4 weeks
(3) Reduce diazepam dose further, if necessary in smaller steps (e.g. 500micrograms)
(4) Then stop completely
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is the equivalent dose of 5mg of diazepam in:
(1) Chlordiazepoxide?
(2) Temazepam?
(3) Clobazam?
(4) Clonazepam?
(1) 12.5mg
(2) 10mg
(3) 10mg
(4) 250micrograms
SLEEP DISORDERS
The addition of which types of drugs should be AVOIDED when withdrawing from benzodiazepines?
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
SLEEP DISORDERS
What type of medication is preferable in treatment of sleep onset insomnia?
Short-acting hypnotics
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which type of medication is preferable for treatment of insomnia in elderly patients?
Short-acting hypnotics
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which type of medication is preferable for treatment of insomnia when sedation the following day is undesirable?
Short-acting hypnotics
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which type of medication is preferable for treatment of sleep maintenance insomnia?
Long-acting hypnotics
SLEEP DISORDERS
What may cause transient insomnia?
- Noise
- Jetlag
- Shift work
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) Which type of medication is preferable for treatment of transient insomnia? (2) How many doses should be given?
(1) Rapidly-eliminated hypnotic
(2) Only 1-2 doses
SLEEP DISORDERS
What may cause short-term insomnia?
- Emotional problem OR
- Serious medical illness
SLEEP DISORDERS
What duration of hypnotic should be given for treatment of short-term insomnia?
Maximum THREE weeks
(Preferably only ONE week)
SLEEP DISORDERS
What type of medication is preferable for treatment of short-term insomnia?
Short-acting hypnotic
SLEEP DISORDERS
What are some common causes of chronic insomnia?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Abuse of drugs/ alcohol
SLEEP DISORDERS
How long does tolerance to hypnotics take to develop?
3-14 days of continuous use
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is a major drawback of long-term use of hypnotics?
Withdrawal can cause:
- Rebound insomnia
- Withdrawal syndrome
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) Which hypnotics should be avoided in the elderly? (2) Why?
(1)
- Benzodiazepines
- Z-drugs
(2) Elderly are at greater risk of becoming ataxic and confused
- Leads to increased falls/ injury
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) Which hypnotic is preferable for use in dental patients? (2) Why?
(1) Temazepam
(2) Minimise residual effect on following day
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which benzodiazepines used as hypnotics tend to have a cumulative effect due to their prolonged action?
- Nitrazepam
- Flurazepam
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which benzodiazepines have little-to-no hangover effect?
- Temazepam
- Loprazolam
- Lormetazepam
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) Which treatment is preferable for insomnia that is associated with daytime anxiety? (2) How should this be taken?
(1) Long-acting benzodiazepine anxiolytic
- e.g. diazepam
(2) Taken as a single dose at night
SLEEP DISORDERS
Name two Z-drugs.
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
SLEEP DISORDERS
What are some non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that act at the benzodiazepine receptors?
- Zopiclone
- Zolpidem
SLEEP DISORDERS
Describe the duration of action of the Z-drugs.
Short-acting
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) For which patient group is clomethiazole potentially useful? (2) Why?
(1) Elderly
(2) No hangover effect
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is melatonin licensed for?
- Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults >55yrs
- Short-term treatment of jet-lag in adults
SLEEP DISORDERS
What effect may benzodiazepines have on psychological adjustment in bereavement?
May inhibit
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which patient groups have the highest likely dependency to anxiolytic benzodiazepines?
- History of alcohol/ drug abuse OR
- Marked personality disorders
SLEEP DISORDERS
What effect do beta-blockers have on psychological symptoms?
None
SLEEP DISORDERS
What effect do beta-blockers have on non-autonomic symptoms?
None
SLEEP DISORDERS
What effect do beta-blockers have on autonomic symptoms?
Reduction in symptom severity
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which anxiolytics are indicated for the short-term relief of severe anxiety?
- Diazepam
- Alprazolam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Clobazam
- Lorazepam
- Oxazepam
SLEEP DISORDERS
(1) When are shorter-acting anxiolytics preferable for the short-term relief of severe anxiety? (2) What risk does this present?
(1) Hepatic impairment
(2) Increased risk of withdrawal symptoms
SLEEP DISORDERS
What can be used in panic disorders that are resistant to antidepressant therapy?
Benzodiazepines
SLEEP DISORDERS
When should IV use of lorazepam/ diazepam be used for the control of panic attacks?
When other administration routes have failed
SLEEP DISORDERS
What is the advantage of the IM route of benzodiazepines compared to oral route?
None
SLEEP DISORDERS
How long may response to treatment with buspirone take?
Up to TWO weeks
SLEEP DISORDERS
Describe the dependence and abuse potential of buspirone.
Low
SLEEP DISORDERS
How does meprobamate compare to benzodiazepines, as an anxiolytic?
Less effective + more hazardous in overdose
Can induce dependence
SLEEP DISORDERS
When are intermediate-acting barbiturates used for treatment of sleep disturbances?
Severe intractable insomnia in patients ALREADY taking barbiturates
SLEEP DISORDERS
In which patient group should barbiturates be avoided?
Elderly
SLEEP DISORDERS
Name some intermediate acting barbiturates.
- Amobarbital
- Butobarbital
- Secobarbital
SLEEP DISORDERS
What does increased hostility and aggression after barbiturates normally indicate?
Intoxication
SLEEP DISORDERS
Name some long-acting benzodiazepines.
- Diazepam
- Nitrazepam
- Flurazepam
SLEEP DISORDERS
Name some short-acting benzodiazepines.
- Loprazolam
- Lormetazepam
- Temazepam
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which type of benzodiazepines are used for sleep maintenance?
Long-acting
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which type of benzodiazepines are used for sleep onset?
Short-acting
SLEEP DISORDERS
How is benzodiazepine overdose treated?
Flumazenil
SLEEP DISORDERS
Which benzodiazepines have a legal driving limit?
- Clonazepam
- Oxazepam
- Lorazepam
- Diazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Temazepam
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for focal seizures?
- Carbamazepine OR lamotrigine
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for focal seizures?
- Oxcarbazepine
- Levetiracetam
- Sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What are the different types of generalised seizures?
- Tonic clonic
- Absence
- Myoclonic
- Atonic
- Tonic
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for tonic clonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for tonic clonic seizures?
Lamotrigine
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for absence seizures?
Ethosuximide OR sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for absence seizures?
Lamotrigine
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for myoclonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for myoclonic seizures?
Topiramate OR levetiracetam (Keppra)
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for tonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for tonic seizures?
Lamotrigine
Epilepsy
What is the first line treatment for atonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
Epilepsy
What is the second line treatment for atonic seizures?
Lamotrigine
Epilepsy
For treatment of epilepsy, for which type(s) of generalised seizures is sodium valproate first line treatment?
- Tonic Clonic
- Tonic
- Atonic
- Myoclonic
- Absence
Epilepsy
For treatment of epilepsy, for which type(s) of generalised seizures is lamotrigine second line treatment?
- Tonic Clonic
- Tonic
- Atonic
- Absence
(All, except myoclonic)
Epilepsy
What is the treatment for status epilepticus seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes?
- IV lorazepam (repeated once after 10 minutes if seizures recur/ fail to respond)
OR
- IV diazepam
Epilepsy
What is the treatment for status epilepticus, if seizures fail to respond to treatment after 25 minutes?
- Phenytoin
- Fosphenytoin
- Phenobarbital
Epilepsy
What is the treatment for status epilepticus, if seizures fail to respond to treatment after 45 minutes?
- Thiopental
- Midazolam
- Propofol (anaesthetic)
Epilepsy
What is the treatment of status epilepticus, in the community or where resus is not available?
- Rectal diazepam
OR
- Buccal midazolam
Epilepsy
Which add-on drug can be used for treatment of status epilepticus if alcohol abuse is suspected?
Parenteral thiamine
Epilepsy
What is the add-on treatment of status epilepticus, if pyridoxine deficiency is suspected as the cause?
Pyridoxine
Epilepsy
What needs to be done if a driver experiences epilepsy while driving?
Stop driving immediately
DVLA must also be informed
Epilepsy
What are the driving rules for a patient with their first unprovoked/ single isolated seizure?
May resume provided they have been assessed by a specialist as fit to drive
Epilepsy
What are the driving rules for a patient with established epilepsy for personal vehicles?
- Must be seizure free for one year
OR
- A pattern of seizures established with no effect on consciousness for one year
- ALSO:
ø Must not have a history of unprovoked seizures
ø Additional criteria applies for large goods/ passenger-carrying
Epilepsy
What must be remembered regarding driving rules for a patient with established epilepsy for driving on large goods vehicles/ passenger-carrying drivers?
- Must be seizure free for one year
OR
- A pattern of seizures established with no effect on consciousness for one year
- ALSO:
ø Must not have a history of unprovoked seizures
ø Additional criteria applies for large goods/ passenger-carrying
Epilepsy
What are the driving rules for a patient with seizures while asleep?
Not permitted to drive for 1 year from date of seizure UNLESS:
- Hx of sleep seizures ONLY while asleep (established over 1 year)
- If previous seizures while awake but shown to only have sleep seizures over the past 3 years
Epilepsy
What are the driving rules for a patient with epilepsy who has had a medication change/ withdrawal?
- Should not drive for at least 6 months after last previous dose
- IF seizure occurs, license revoked for one year (reinstated after 6 months if treatment resumed AND no further seizures occurred)
Epilepsy
What is the risk vs benefit of epilepsy treatment in pregnancy?
Risk of harm to mother and foetus from convulsions outweighs risk of continued treatment
Epilepsy
Why is folic acid given in pregnancy?
Reduce risk of neural tube defects in first trimester
Epilepsy
At what stage of pregnancy can neural tube defects occur in the foetus without folic acid supplementation?
First trimester
Epilepsy
What injection is given at birth to reduce the risk of neonatal haemorrhage?
Vitamin K injection
Epilepsy
Why is a vitamin K injection given at birth?
To reduce risk of neonatal haemorrhage
Epilepsy
(1) Who is at most risk from sodium valproate treatment? (2) How is this prevented?
(1) Pregnancy/ foetus
(2) Pregnancy Prevention Programme
Epilepsy
What is the risk of using topiramate in pregnancy?
Risk of cleft palate development
Epilepsy
Which anti-epileptic medication cause the most risk in treatment of pregnant patients?
- Sodium valproate
- Topiramate
Epilepsy
What is the breastfeeding advice for patients on epilepsy treatment?
Encouraged to breastfeed, on single treatment
Epilepsy
Which anti-epileptics are highly present in breast milk?
- Primidone
- Ethosuximide
- Lamotrigine
- Zonisamide
Epilepsy
Which anti-epileptics have the highest risk of drowsiness in breastfeeding?
- Primidone
- Phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines
Epilepsy
Which anti-epileptics can cause withdrawal effects if the mother suddenly stops breastfeeding?
- Phenobarbital
- Primidone
- Benzodiazepines
- Lamotrigine
Epilepsy
How should anti-epileptics be switched?
Cautiously
Only withdraw the first drug once new regimen has been established
Only withdraw ONE anti-epileptic at a time
Epilepsy
(1) What is an MHRA alert for anti-epileptic drugs? (2) How soon may these symptoms develop?
(1) Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours
(2) Symptoms may appear as early as one week after beginning treatment
Epilepsy
(1) What should be done if a patient has symptoms aligning with an MHRA warning for their anti-epileptic medication? (2) What are these symptoms?
(1) Seek medical advice
- Do NOT stop treatment, speak to HCP first
(2)
- Mood changes
- Distressing thoughts
- Suicidal ideation/ self-harm thoughts
Epilepsy
What is the advice on switching between different manufacturer’s products for anti-epileptic medication?
ONLY APPLIES FOR TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY:
(1) If maintaining on a SPECIFIC brand, brand should be specified
(2) If maintaining on a GENERIC brand, name and name of manufacturer (MA holder) should be specified
Epilepsy
What should be done if a patient experiences any adverse effects to anti-epileptics?
Report on Yellow Card
Epilepsy
(1) If a prescribed anti-epileptic is not available, what may it be necessary to do? (2) Who needs to agree to this?
(1) Dispense a product from a different manufacturer to maintain continuity of treatment
(2) Must be agreed by prescriber AND patient (or carer)
Epilepsy
Which anti-epileptics can cause Anti-epileptic Hypersensitivity Syndrome?
- Carbemazepine
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Primidone
- Lamotrigine
- Lacosamide
- Oxcarbazepine
- Rufinamide
Epilepsy
(1) What are some common symptoms of Anti-epileptic Hypersensitivity Syndrome? (2) What are some more severe symptoms? (3) How soon may the more severe symptoms develop?
(1)
- Fever
- Rash
- Lymphadenopathy
(2) Liver dysfunction, haematological abnormalities, renal impairment, pulmonary issues, vasculitis, multi-organ failure
(3) Usually start 1-8 weeks after exposure
Epilepsy
What should be done if a patient has suspected Anti-epileptic Hypersensitivity Syndrome?
Withdraw drug immediately
Do not re-expose
Seek specialist advice
Epilepsy
What is the therapeutic range of carbemazepine?
4-12mg/L
Epilepsy
What are some signs of carbamazepine toxicity?
- Hyponatraemia
- Ataxia (loss of control of body movements)
- Nystagmus (involuntary, repetitive movement of eyes)
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Arrhythmias
- GI disturbances