Medications Flashcards
These are neuroleptics and major tranquilizers. They include agents that have been found effective in treating psychotic symptoms. They affect the psychic function, behavior or experience. They are used primarily to alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia. These medications may help to improve concentration and self-control in people with thought disorders and nervous conditions. Antipsychotics are believed to work by blocking the dopamine receptors in the brain. Experts tend to agree that these agents do not cause physical or psychological dependence. Furthermore, Overdose is rarely lethal.
The psychotropic medications may also be used to treat senile dementia; hallucinations (especially those associated with major depression) delusions; mania (acute); organic psychoses); Huntington’s disease; individuals with severe behavioral disorders; and Tourette’s
Anti-psychotics
Trade names:
Risperdol(Risperidone) Mellaril Serentil Trilafon (Perphenazine) Compazine Navane Stelazine Loxitane Haldol Prolixin Thorazine
- anticholinergic (Blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses) Effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia.
- Sedation (which is sometimes the desired effect if the patient is agitated or aggressive).
- Orthostatic hypotension (a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure to below the normal range when arising from a recumbent position or from standing still)
- Extrapyramidal(Outside the pyramidal track of the CNS) Side effects like Parkinsonism, acute dystonia (spasms )and Akathisia (motor restlessness). All three may be treated with antiparkinsonian agents. However, tardive dyskinesia, a late onset extrapyramidal effect is not usually reversible and cannot be treated with anti-parkinsonian medications.
- Other common side effects include: Depression, weight gain, insomnia, increased appetite.
Side effects of antipsychotics
There are four major classes of these medications. They are all used to help patients achieve relief from the symptoms of depression. These medications are generally not considered to produce physical or psychological dependence. Some withdrawl symptoms may be noted upon cessation of the medication.
Antidepressants
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Are believed to bond to receptor sites of nerve synapse and block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Activity level is increased, mood is elevated and appetite and sleep patterns are effectively regulated by the use of these agents. Optimum benefits may be achieved in 2 to 3 weeks.
Trycyclic antidepressants
Anafranil Sinequan Elavil Pamelor Tofranil Vivactil Surmontil Norpramine Asendin
These psychotropic medications are also used to treat psychomotor retardation; phobic states; OCD and chronic pain.
The side effects of trycyclic antidepressants include but are not limited to:
- Anticholinergic effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, Sweating urinary retention, and constipation.
- Cardiovascular effects like orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, palpitations and tachycardia.
- Other common side effects include: Weight gain, insomnia, sedation, confusion, disorientation, Nausea, and libidinal changes
Trycyclic antidepressant
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Works by thrawting monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine, And serotonin. Atypical depressions involving anxiety, phobia or hostility may be treated with these agents. MAO inhibitors have been particularly successful treatments for agoraphobia. These medications are not believed to produce physical or psychological dependence. MAO inhibitors do have a toxic potential. Generally these psychotropic medications would be used as a second line of treatment for an individual who has not responded to other antidepressants. Trade names include Marplan, parnate, and nardial.
The side effects of MAO inhibitors include but are not limited to:
- Hypertensive crisis (especially when taken in combination with other medications and certain foods)
- Anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and constipation
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Extrapyramidal effects like tremors
- edema
- Drowsiness
MAO inhibitors
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. That is these agents prevent receptors from retrieving serotonin. SSRIs are generally used for the same categories of problems as trycyclic antidepressants. Common trade names are:
-Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Prozac
The side effects of SSRI’s include but are not limited to:
- Anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and diarrhea
- Nervousness, anxiety
- Nausea/upset stomach
- Loss of appetite, weight-loss
- tremors, seizures
- Headaches, dizziness
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Are similar in form and function to trycyclic Antidepressants. That is their mode of operation, benefits, and side effects closely resemble the trycyclic class. However these agents are often used as a second or third line drug secondary to the fact that seizures have occurred in individuals who were on high doses of tetracyclics. A familiar trade name is: ludiomil
Tetracyclic antidepressants
These agents are used to treat acathisia and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, they may help control the side effects from certain medications (like antipsychotics). Common trade names are:
-Benadryl, Symmetrel, artrane, Cogentin
The side effects of antidykinectics include but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth, nose and throat
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Decreased sweating
- Drowsiness
Antidyskinetic’s
This medication control moderate to severe anxiety. Day-to-day tensions are not addressed by these medications. There are two notable classes of these agents.
Anxiolytics
ANXIOLYTICS
Have potent hypnotic and sedative qualities. They are used for their anxiolytic properties as well as their tendency to induce sleep. They may also be used for muscle relaxation and as a treatment for panic attacks. There two types:
- Long acting which may put individuals and a higher risk for Overdose. Trade names include: Librium, Valium, Dalmane tranxene.
- Short acting which may produce dependence. Common trade names are: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Serax
The side effects of these meds include but are not limited to:
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Emotional and physical dependence
- Increased anxiety
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Slurred speech
Benzodiazepines
ANXIOLYTICS
These have tranquilizing properties. They relieve anxiety and mental tension. However secondary to serious side effects and an increased risk for suicide those agents are rarely use now. Trade names are:
Meprospan, Miltown, Equanil
Meprobamates
There are two classes of medications that are typically used to address attention deficit:
Stimulants and phenothiazines
ADHD meds
These work temporarily increasing functional cerebral activity. They are most often used to treat ADHD. They tend to be habituating and addictive and often have serious side effects. They produce mild to intense feelings of euphoria, heightened awareness and relief from fatigue. Common trade names include:
NoDoz, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Vivarin, Cylert , caffedrine, Desoxyn
Side effects include but are not limited to:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Onset of Tourette’s disorder
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain, stomach upset
- Headache
- Tearfulness
- Tachycardia
What are stimulants?
ADHD
These works to decrease motor activity. They do not increase alertness. They would most likely be used with an individual who exhibited extreme motor restlessness like schizophrenia.
Trade names include:
Thorazine; Mellaril
Side effects include but are not limited to:
- Etrapyramidial symptoms
- Vision difficulties
- Possible tardive dyskinesia
Phenothiazines
