MENTAL HEALTH DRUGS Flashcards
give an example of a benzodiazepine
Diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam
what is the structure and pathophysiology of benzodiazepines?
It contains benzoring
Acts on the GABAa receptor increasing the inhibitory neurotransmitter effects by opening the chloride channel( gaba receptor) and increase chloride movement into the cells
Which causes inhibitor of the cells to depolarize
What conditions are BZDP used for?
- Short term for severe, disabling or distressing Anxiety
- Short term for severe, disabling or distressing Insomnia
- First line for seizure and status epilepticus
- 1st line for alcohol withdrawal
- premedication for procedures + agitation
when would you give buccal midazolam
seizure emergency
why shouldn’t BZDP’s be given in myasthenia graves, sleep apnoea, bronchitis or COPD?
can cause respiratory depression
why shouldn’t BZDP’s be given to a patient with liver failure?
Increase chance of hepatic encephalopathy
why shouldn’t BZDP’s be given in patients with renal failure?
Increased cerebral sensitivity to the drug
what is the antidote for BZDP overdose?
flumazenil
give 3 complications of taking BZDP’s in pregnancy
cleft palate
floppy infant syndrome
neonatal withdrawal syndrome
what effect can BZDP’s have on the circulation?
Hypotension and hypovolaemia
how are BZDP’s metabolised?
cytochrome P450
what 2 things can potentiate action of BZDP’s?
alcohol
opiates
give an example of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine
how do ACh-E inhibitors work?
Inhibits the acetylcholinesterase enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine,–> increasing the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on the synapse .
when are ACh-E inhibitors used?
mild to moderate treatment of alzheimer’s and Parkinsons ( non cognitive symptoms)
give 2 cardiac contraindications for ACh-E inhibitors
heart disease
arrhythmias
give 2 respiratory contraindications for ACh-E inhibitors
asthma
COPD
give 2 GI contraindications for ACh-E inhibitors
peptic ulcer disease
NSAIDs
(they increase risk of peptic ulcer disease)
how do ACh-E inhibitors interact with bentropine/atropine/trihexyphenidyl?
anticholinergic drugs- reverse action
give an example of a TCA
amitriptyline, doxepin, lofepramine and imipramine
TCA’s inhibit reuptake of what? How long do they take to work?
serotonin and noradrenaline and therefore more neurotransmission activity
Take 2-4 weeks to work
when are TCA’s used?
depression= second line treatment
Unlicensed for neuralgia, panic disorder and migraine
What is the interaction of TCA and MAO’s?
Both increase the levels of noradrenaline and serotonin which can cause precipitation of hypertension, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome
Due to the antimuscarinic effects of TCA who should it be cautiously used for?
cautious in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, chronic constipation, increased intra-ocular pressure, urinary retention, or those with a susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma.