Mood Stabilisers Flashcards
Indications for mood stabilisers
Bipolar
Cyclothymia
Schizoaffective
Classes for mood stabilisers
Lithium
Anti-convulsants
Anti-psychotics
Which is the only medication been shown to reduced suicide rates
Lithium
How often do lithium levels require checking
Every 3/12
Side effects of lithium
GI distress Reduced appetite Nausea/vomiting Thyroid problems Hair loss Acne Reduced seizure threshold
Signs of mild lithium toxicity
Vomiting, diarrhoea, ataxia, dizziness, slurred speech
Signs of moderate lithium toxicity
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, blurred vision, clonic limb movements, convulsions, delirium, syncope
Signs of severe lithium toxicity
Generalised convulsions
Oliguria
Renal failure
Factors predicting positive response to lithium
Prior response
FH good response
Classic pure mania
What are the 3 anticonvulsant drugs used to as mood stabilisers
Sodium valproate (valproic acid)
Carbamezepine
Lamotrigine
What is sodium valproate good prophylaxis for
mania
Is sodium valproate better or worse tolerated than lithium
Better tolerated than lithium
What MUST be carried out before sodium valproate prescription
Pregnancy test
What is the problem with sodium valproate in pregnancy
It is highly teratogenic
Neural tube defects
SE of sodium valproate
Thrombocytopenia Platelet dysfunction Nausea/vomiting Weight gain Sedation Tremor Hair loss
