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NUR370 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology > Medications for Nervous System > Flashcards

Medications for Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

Divisions of the Nervous System

A
  1. Central nervous system
  2. Peripheral nervous system
    a. somatic motor system
    b. autonomic nervous sytem
    - parasympathetic nervous system
    - sympathetic nervous system
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2
Q

Consequence of Alpha1-adrenergic blockade

A

Orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia

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3
Q

Consequence of muscarinic cholinergic blockade

A

Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia

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4
Q

Consequence of H1 (histamine) blockade

A

sedation, weight gain

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5
Q

Consequence of 5-HT2 (serotonin) blockade

A

weight gain

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6
Q

Consequence of D2 (dopamine) blockade

A

extrapyramidal symptoms, prolactin release

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7
Q

Psychosis

A

= dysregulation of dopamine

= imbalance of DA and serotonin

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8
Q

Antipsychotics

A

First generation antipsychotics (FGA)

  • typical/conventional agent
  • D2 antagonist, reduce dopamine transmission

Second generation antipsychotics (SGA)

  • atypical agent
  • reduce serotonin transmission
  • low affinity for D2 receptors, may block other dopamine receptor subtypes
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9
Q

Onset of antipsychotic action

A

Week 1: medicated cooperation stage

Week 2 - 6: improved socialization stage

Week 2-months: elimination of thought disorder stage

Baseline achieved: maintenance stage

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10
Q

Positive symptoms and choice of agent

A

= associated with too much dopamine in mesolimbic area
(mesolimbic controls reward and desire)

FGA (D2 blockers) or SGA can be used

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11
Q

Negative symptoms and choice of agent

A

= associated with not enough dopamine in mesocortical area
(mesocortical control emotion and motivation)

SGA preferred to restore balance of serotonin and dopamine

*serotonin has an inhibitory effect on dopamine

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12
Q

Conventional Agents (FGA)

A

blockade of D2 receptors in mesolimbic area
- relieves positive symptoms

have low, medium and high potency

side effects come from blockade of the following receptors:
ACh, H1, NE, serotonin, dopamine in other pathways

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13
Q

A drug that has low potency..

A

requires more dose to achieve same effect

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14
Q

Example of a low potency FGA

A

Chlorpromazine (Largactil)
- low D2 affinity, non-selective

side effects: sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, weight gain

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15
Q

Example of a high potency FGA

A

Haloperidol (Haldol)
- high D2 affinity, selective

side effects: EPS, prolactin release (sex hormone causing lactation and breast growth)

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16
Q

Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)

A

= spectrum of movement disorder
due to blockade of D2 receptors in nigrostriatal region creating DA/ACh imbalance
(excess ACh because D2 receptors are blocked, more ACh floating around?)

occurs early in therapy
- acute dystonia: severe muscle spasm
- parkinsonism: tremor, rigidity
- akathisia: restlessness, pacing
occurs late in therapy
- tardive dyskinesia: involuntary twisting
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17
Q

Management for EPS

A

anticholinergic drugs are used to restore balance between DA and ACh

i.e. benztropine, diphenhydramine

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18
Q

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A

= idiosyncratic reaction, rare, unpredictable but can be fatal
more likely with high potency agents

symptoms: sudden high fever, muscle rigidity, sweating, increased HR, labile BP, altered LOC, confusion, seizures, coma, arrhythmia, death
management: d/c antipsychotic, supportive measures, drug therapy

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19
Q

FGA Drug Interactions

A

Anticholinergic agents
- histamines, OTC sleep aids

CNS depressants
- alcohol, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates)

Dopamine agonists (Levodopa)
- activates dopamine receptors and exacerbates psychosis
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20
Q

Atypical Agents (SGA)

A

less affinity for D2 receptors so less EPS
strong blockade of 5-HT2 (serotonin) receptors
- helps to restore balance between DA and 5-HT

side effect: weight gain

also block H1, alpha-adrenergic, muscarinic-cholinergic receptors

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21
Q

Example of SGA

A

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Risperidone (Risperdal)
Clozapine (Clozaril)

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22
Q

Advantage and Disadvantage of SGA

A

Advantages:

  • good for positive and negative symptoms
  • good for preventing relapse
  • less EPS, better adherence

Disadvantages:

  • side effects: weight gain, diabetes, ++ cholesterol
  • some agents prolong QT interval, risk of arrhythmia
  • more expensive
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23
Q

Depot Formulations

A

= long-acting injectables (IM or SC)
convert to depot once stabilized on oral regimen

Advantages:

  • slow, steady absorption
  • dosing interval is 2-4 weeks, enhanced adherence
  • lower rate of relapse than oral therapy

Disadvantages:
- may get more EPS with SGA depot formulations

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24
Q

Clozapine (Clozaril)

A
  • most effective agent, not used as first line but when other drugs have failed
  • can cause agranulocytosis (lowered WBC)&raquo_space; weekly or biweekly monitoring of WBC and neutrophil required

hold or d/c if WBC drops

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25
Q

Neuropathophysiology of Depression

A

Monoamine hypothesis: deficit of NE, 5-HT or DA neurotransmission

Antidepressants work to increase NT levels in synaptic cleft

  • prevent reuptake into presynaptic membrane
  • inhibit metabolism of NT
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26
Q

Pharmacotherapy of Depression

A

Acute phase

  • 8-12 weeks
  • goal is remission of symptoms: 1-3 weeks for somatic symptoms, 1-2 months for depressive symptoms

Maintenance phase

  • minimum 6 months, may require 2+ years
  • goal is prevention of relapse

SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR EARLY

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27
Q

Symptoms of Depression

A

a. principal symptoms
- depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure

b. somatic symptoms
- changes in sleep pattern, changes in appetite, weight and fatigue

c. other depressive symptoms
- lethargy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, poor concentration, suicidal thoughts

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28
Q

5 Anti-Depressant Drug Classes

A
  1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  2. Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
  3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
  4. Atypical antidepressants
  5. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
    - seldom used today
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29
Q

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

A

= block 5-HT reuptake pump, increase 5-HT in synapse
little effect on other NTs
= long half-life, dose once daily
= safe and well tolerated, common first-line agent

Prototype: FLUOXETINE (Prozac)

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30
Q

SSRIs Side Effects

A

= do not block H1, NE, 5-HT or ACh receptors

a. sexual dysfunction
b. nausea, HA, weight gain
c. CNS stimulation: nervousness, insomnia, anxiety

31
Q

Serotonin Syndrome (drug interaction)

A

= condition caused by excessive serotonin transmission when combining more than one drug that increases serotonin
= onset within hours to days of starting second drug
= resolves with d/c but can be fatal

symptoms: confusion, agitation, hallucination, increased muscle tone, tremor, rigidity, sweating, fever

**avoid combining SSRI with SNRI, TCA, MAOI, certain opioid analgesics, migraine drugs (triptans)

32
Q

Dosing and Administration of SSRIs

A

a. once daily, usually AM due to stimulant effect
b. start low, go slow
c. take with food to decrease GI side effects
d. washout period if switching agents to prevent serotonin syndrome
e. taper off to d/c, prevent withdrawal (headache, agitation)

33
Q

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

A

= block neuronal reuptake of NE and 5-HT
= long half life, dose once daily
= especially effective in severe cases
= second-line therapy because not always safe or well-tolerated

Prototype: AMITRIPTYLINE (Elavil)

34
Q

TCAs Side Effects

A
  • sedation (H1 blockade)
  • orthostatic hypotension (alpha1 blockade)
  • anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia (muscarinic cholinergic blockade
  • weight gain (5-HT2 blockade)

a. cardiac toxicity
b. diaphoresis
c. seizure, lower threshold
d. hypomania

35
Q

TCAs Drug Interactions

A

a. anticholinergic agents, antihistamines
b. CNS depressants
- alcohol, opioids, barbiturates
c. MAOIs
causes sever HTN

36
Q

Dosing and Administration of TCAs

A

a. once daily, q HS, night time to promote sleep and reduce daytime side effects
b. start low, go slow
c. caution in elderly or patients with seizure or cardiac conditions

37
Q

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

A

= block reuptake of NE and 5-HT into nerve terminal
= similar efficacy to SSRIs and TCAs

Prototype: VENLAFAXINE (Effexor XR)

38
Q

SNRIs Side Effects

A

= do not block H1, NE, 5-HT or ACh receptors

a. nausea
b. weight loss/anorexia
c. HA
d. insomnia
e. sexual dysfunction
f. increased blood pressure

39
Q

Dosing and Administration of SNRIs

A

a. once daily, AM
b. start low, go slow
c. take with food to reduce GI side effects

40
Q

Atypical Antidepressants

A

= unique agent that blocks DA and NE reuptake
= similar efficacy to SSRIs and TCAs
= not suitable with preexisting seizure disorders
= short half life, dose 2-3 times daily

Prototype: BUPROPION (Wellbutrin)

41
Q

Atypical Antidepressants Side Effects

A

= do not block H1, NE, 5-HT or ACh receptors

a. agitation
b. HA
c. nausea, weight loss
d. dry mouth
e. insomnia
f. constipation
g. psychosis (rare)

42
Q

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

A

= avoid in patients with seizure disorder, psychosis, anorexia or bulimia
= do not combine with SSRIs&raquo_space; risk of seizure
= dose 2-3 times daily, space 8-12 hours apart or use long-acting once daily formulation

  • is also used for smoking cessation
43
Q

Important Considerations in Pharmacotherapy in Depression

A
  • antidepressants cannot be used prn
  • therapeutic effect requires at least 1 month, consistently

Patient Education:

a. time required to see effect
b. side effect profile
c. need to continue even after symptoms improve
d. avoid abrupt discontinuation
e. dose spacing for bupropion
f. cannot be used prn

44
Q

Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)

A

= control seizure disorder, prevent recurrence while minimizing side effects
= suppress discharge of neurons wtihin a seizure focus (reduce firing) and propagation of seizure activity
= drugs interrupts electrochemical or biochemical communication
a. suppression of sodium or calcium influx
b. potentiation of GABA
c. blockade of receptors for glutamate

drug selection depends on seizure type
eventually withdraw medication with continuing control

45
Q

Older (conventional) AEDs

A

a. phenytoin
b. carbamazepine
c. valproic acid
d. phenobarbital
e. benzodiazepine

46
Q

Newer AEDs

A

a. gabapentin
b. lamotrigine
c. topiramate
d. levetiracetam
e. pregabalin

47
Q

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

A

= inhibits Na+ influx, inhibit action potential
useful for most major forms of epilepsy

  • small dose change creates large change in blood levels
  • high risk of toxicity
  • NARROW THERAPEUTIC INDEX
48
Q

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

A
  • helps with dose titration to keep blood levels in appropriate therapeutic range
  • monitor patient adherence
  • determine cause of poor seizure control
  • identify cause of drug toxicity
  • manage drug interactions
49
Q

Phenytoin Side Effects

A

a. CNS effect: sedation, ataxia, ocular effects (double vision), cognitive impairment
b. gingival hyperplasia: overgrowth of gum tissue
c. rash
d. GI upset
e. hirsutism: coarsening of facial features
f. arrhythmia and hypotension if IV infused too rapidly

50
Q

Phenytoin Drug Interactions

A

phenytoin induces CYP450 enzymes to REDUCE levels and efficacy of many other drugs:

  • warfarin
  • oral contraceptives
  • corticosteroids
  • TCAs
  • cyclosporine

other AEDs can increase phenytoin levels

additive effects with other CNS depressants

51
Q

Carbamazepine (Tegretol, CBZ)

A

= inhibit NA+ influx, inhibit action potential

  • absorption delayed…metabolized in liver, half-life decreases with prolonged therapy (induces its own metabolism)
  • NARROW THERAPEUTIC INDEX
52
Q

Carbamazepine Side Effects

A 
a. neurologic effects
visual disturbances, ataxia, vertigo, HA
b. hematologic effects (lower platelet count)
leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia
c. GI upset, dry mouth
d. hepatotoxicity
e. water retention
f. rash
53
Q

Carbamazepine Drug Interactions

A

induces CYP450 enzymes to REDUCE levels and efficacy of many other drugs:

  • warfarin
  • oral contraceptives
  • digoxin
  • TCAs
  • valproic acid
  • cyclosporine
  • CBZ itself!
54
Q

Valproic Acid

A

= inhibits Na+ and Ca2+ influx, augments GABA activity
= reduce action potential, increase GABA action

different forms:
Valproic acid, valproate (Depakene)
Divalproex sodium (Epival)

55
Q

Valproic Acid Side Effects

A

a. GI upset
b. hepatotoxicity (not suitable for liver disease)
c. tremor, hair loss, weight gain, rash
d. highly teratogenic
- avoid in pregnancy
- use effect contraception and take folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in case pregnancy occurs

56
Q

Principles for dosing and administration of Conventional AEDS (phenytoin, CBZ, valproic acid)

A

a. start low, go slow
b. dosing is individualized (use TDM as guide)
c. administer with food
d. never stop abruptly

57
Q

Drugs that Potentiate GABA

A

++ GABA&raquo_space; suppress seizure activity

a. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates
- directly bind to GABA receptors and enhance activity, mimic action of GABA at high doses
b. Gabapentin
- promote release of GABA

58
Q

GABA-receptor Chloride Channel Complex

A

act on chloride channels to increase frequency or prolong duration of channel open
chloride moves into cell to prevent action potential

59
Q

Barbiturates

phenobarbital

A

enhances GABA action, bind to and activate GABA receptor
- uses: status epilepticus and maintenance therapy

= long acting, once daily, effective, cheap

  • NARROW THERAPEUTIC USE
  • VERY STRONG RESPIRATORY DEPRESSANT
60
Q

Barbiturates Side Effects

A

drowsiness, lethargy, depression, impaired cognition

dependence

induces CYP450

61
Q

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

A

= promote release of GABA
most commonly used newer agent, adjunctive therapy of partial seizures

not metabolized, excreted unchanged in urine
short half life, 2-3 times daily

62
Q

Gabapentin Side Effects and Interactions

A

drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, nystagmus

  • effects mild-moderate and decreases over time
  • rapid dose titration can reduce these effects

few drug interactions

  • antacid decreases gabapentin bioavailability
  • additive sedation with CNS depressants
63
Q

Status Epilepticus (SE)

A

seizure for > 20 mins becomes medical emergency!
- can lead to irreversible brain damage

Maintain VENTILATION, correct HYPOGLYCEMIA, terminate SEIZURE

  1. establish IV line
    - administer glucose, AEDs
    - draw electrolyte and glucose levels
  2. respiratory support may be required

a. LORAZEPAM or DIAZEPAM
b. PHENYTOIN
c. PHENOBARBITAL

64
Q

Other Uses of AEDs

A
  • bipolar disorder
  • neuropathic pain
  • migraine prophylaxis
  • sedation, sleep induction
  • arrhythmia
  • leg cramps
65
Q

Medications that Increase Risk of Seizure

A
  • bupropion
  • TCAs
  • clozapine
  • some antibiotics (i.e. penicillins, cephalosporins)
  • cyclosporine (immunosuppresant)
  • alcohol
  • street drugs: cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamine
  • herbals: ginseng, green tea, st john’s wort
66
Q

Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs

A

depress CNS function

low dose: relieves anxiety (anxiolytic)
high dose: promotes sleep (hypnotic)

main classes:

a. benzodiazepines
b. barbiturates
c. non-benzodiazepine agonist

67
Q

Barbiturates

secobarital

A

barbiturates have multiple uses due to general CNS depressive effects: daytime anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, general anesthesia

= short acting, for anxiety
= long acting (phenobarbital) for seizures
- NARROW THERAPEUTIC INDEX
- poor safety profile: respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, abuse, drug interactions

68
Q

Benzodiazepines (BZD)

A

= binds to GABA-R, enhances GABA actions
= onset depends on lipid solubility (how quickly it crosses BBB into CNS)
= duration depends on lipid solubility and hepatic metabolism

drug for choice for anxiety and insomnia
safer than barbiturates: less abuse, dependence, tolerance, safer

Prototype: LORAZEPAM (Ativan)

69
Q

Selection of BZD

A

driven by onset, duration and accumulation with repeated dosing

Insomnia - want rapid onset (highly lipid soluble)
Anxiety - want intermediate duration (active metabolites)

*generally discourage use in elderly, but if using, choose agent that does not accumulate and use short-term

70
Q

Relative Onset and Duration of BZD

A

Diazepam - very rapid onset, 100hr
Clonazepam - rapid onset, 34hr
Lorazepam - intermediate onset, 15hr
Triazolam - rapid onset, 2 hr

71
Q

BZD Side Effects and Interactions

A

daytime sedation, confusion, anterograde amnesia

weak respiratory depression

risk of severe respiratory depression, hypotension, cardiac arrest when given IV

Interactions: significant respiratory depression if combines with other CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol, barbiturates)

72
Q

Dosing and Administration of BZD

A

Insomnia: single oral dose at bedtime

Anxiety: orally 3-4 times daily

  • SL faster onset
  • little tolerance to anxiolytic/hypnotic effects
  • can develop tolerance for seizure
  • some physical dependence, GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL
73
Q

Zopiclone (Imovane)

A

TREAT INSOMNIA

  • non-benzodiazepine agonist
  • rapid onset, half life about 5 hours
  • side effect: bitter taste, daytime impairment
  • some tolerance/dependence with long-term use
74
Q

OTC Drugs for Insomnia

A

Antihistamines

  • less effective than BCD, tolerance develops quickly
  • safe for occasional use but anticholinergic effects

Valerian

  • may help with falling asleep but not staying asleep
  • effects take at least 1 week to develop

Melatonin

  • effective for falling asleep and maintaining sleep
  • high dose can cause hangover, headache, nightmares

NUR370 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (20 decks)

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