Module 10: Psychopharmacology Flashcards
What are the two basic mechanisms of action of antidepressants?
Blocking the enzymatic breakdown of norepinephrine and slowing the reuptake of serotonin
How do you tricyclic antidepressants work?
By inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin into the presynaptic neuron
- This allows for these neurotransmitters to accumulate in the synapse thus increasing action
How do you selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) work?
By slowing the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron
How do monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) work?
By inhibiting monoamine oxidase, the enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine)
- usually prescribed in cases where other antidepressants have not been successful. They have more serious side effects than other antidepressants
What are adverse effects of antidepressants?
- Drowsiness/ Sedation
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Confusion
At what stage of treatment are clients of the greatest risk for suicide?
3-4 weeks after treatment
What regions of the brain are responsible for anxiety and wakefulness?
The limbic system and the reticular activating system
What are anxiolytics used for?
Drugs that relieve anxiety
Low doses of drugs that depress the CNS but do not affect LOC are called
Sedatives
Increasing the dose of CNS depressing drugs produce a hypnotic affect (natural sleep) and are called
Hypnotics
High doses of CNS depressant drugs are called
Anesthetics
What medications are given for insomnia?
Antihistamines – example: diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Benzodiazepines- Class of hypnotic medication
o Example: lorazepam (Ativan)
Non-benzodiazepines- Class of hypnotic medication (differ in chemical structure
o Example: zopiclone (Imovane)
What is the drug of choice for generalized anxiety and insomnia?
Benzodiazepines
A client is prescribed Nardil (MAOI). what information needs to be included in discharge teaching out of the following:
Exercise restrictions, dietary restrictions, fluid restrictions, or vitamin a restrictions?
Dietary restrictions
What is the effect of sedateive/hypnotics on the body?
Depression of the CNS
Define positive psychotic symptom and negative psychotic symptom
Positive symptoms - an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders
Negative symptoms – can be described as a reduction or loss of functions; include slowed thoughts or speech, loss of expressed emotions, lack of motivation, attention deficits and loss of social interest
What are the indications for use of antipsychotic meds?
- confirmed mental health diagnosis. (Ex. Schizophrenia and related disorders, mania in bipolar disorders, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorders)
- Severe psychosis, delusions and hallucinations
- Huntington’s disease
- behaviour that places self or others at risk for injury – temporary
What is dystonia?
A state of abnormal tonicity, sometimes described as “muscle spasm”
What is Akathisia?
Inability to sit still/intense motor restlessness
What is pseudo Parkinsonism?
Resemble symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that are drug induces- Include tremor, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, and a shuffling gait
Long term use of phenothiazines may lead to tardive dyskinesia. What is it characterized by?
Unusual tongue and face movements such as lip smacking and wormlike motions of the tongue
What is an Analgesic?
Medications that help relieve pain
Opioid Analgesics act in the? And are what type of substances?
Act in the CNS, are narcotic substances
Non-opioid analgesics act on the? What are some examples?
Acts on the PNS at the pain receptor site
- Salicylates, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
What are the drugs of choice for severe pain?
Opioids
what are the therapeutic uses and what do they do for Salicylates - A non-opioid analgesic
Therapeutic uses: analgesic and antipyretic
Analgesic
- Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis
- Minimally decreases inflammation
Antipyretic - Stimulates hypothalamus to increase sweating
Example: acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (Aspirin)
What are the drugs of choice for mild to moderate pain? How does it work?
NSAIDs Inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme responsible for synthesis of prostaglandins. This inhibition reduces inflammation and pain.
What are common side effects and adverse affects of NSAIDs?
Common side effect: GI upset
Adverse effects: ulcers, bleeding, liver and kidney failure
What is general anesthesia?
The loss of sensation throughout the entire body, accompanied by loss of consciousness.
necessary for major surgical procedures
What is local anesthesia? It acts by blocking what?
Results in loss of sensation to a limited body region without loss of consciousness.
- Blocking sodium channels in neurons
