NERVOUS SYSTEM- ADHD + BIPOLAR DISORDER, DEPRESSION Flashcards
What is ADHD?
Affects behaviour + daily function
What are the 6 symptoms of inattention?
Short attention span
Easily distracted
careless mistakes
Forgetful / losing things
Cant stick to tedious tasks
Difficulty organising things
What are the 9 symptoms of hyper activeness+ impulsive behaviour?
can’t sit still
Act without thinking
Constantly fidgeting
Excessive physical movement
Excessive talking
Interrupting conversations
Being unable to wait their turn
Little/no sense of danger
Unable to concentrate
What is 1st line drug treatment for ADHD in children aged 6 and over?
Methylphenidate OR
Lisdexamfetamine
What to do if Methylphenidate NOT tolerated after 6 weeks?
Give Lisdexamfetamine
What ADHD medication has a longer duration of side effects?
Lisdexamfetamine
What is an alternative to methylphenidate/lisdexamfetamine which is a non-stimulant?
Atomoxetine or Guanfacine
What are 4 common SEs of Atomoxetine?
Sexual dysfunction
QT prolongation
Hepatotoxicity
Suicidal ideation
Why are MR ADHD meds prescribed?
prescribed by brand only.
Because better profile, less SE, adherence better.
What is MAX dose of Atomoxetine which is unlicensed?
Dose maximum of 120 mg not licensed.
When can atomoxetine be considered for ADHD?
Those intolerant to both methylphenidate hydrochloride + lisdexamfetamine mesilate.
OR
if have NOT responded to separate 6-week trials of both drugs.
What is non-drug treatment for ADHD?
Changing physical environment.
CBT
What is lisdexamfetamine?
Prodrug of Dexamfetamine
When is Dexamfetamine used in ADHD?
If patient is having a beneficial response to lisdexamfetamine but CANNOT tolerate its longer duration of effect.
What class are lisdexamfetamine + Dexamfetamine+ methylphenidate?
CNS stimulants
What is MOA of methylphenidate + amphetamines?
Potent CNS stimulant, increase dopamine levels
What are 8 SEs of ADHD drugs (CNS stimulants)?
High BP, Tachycardia, Arrhythmia
Behaviour/ mood changes
Insomnia
Growth retardation + weight loss
Reduced appetite.
What drug schedule is methylphenidate + amfentamines in?
CD schedule 2
What is 1st line use of Methylphenidate?
ADHD
What is a 2022 MHRA warning of Methylphenidate modified release?
Caution if switching between products due to differences in formulations
Why should we be careful when switching from MR to normal for methylphenidate?
Differences in dosing frequency, administration with food
What is total daily dose equivalence between methylphenidate normal + MR formulations?
Total daily dose of 15 mg of standard-release formulation = equivalent to Delmosart® 18 mg OD
What are 7 SE of Methylphenidate? (SAWPIT-G)
Seretonin syndrome
Appetite (low)
Weight (low)
Psychiatric disorder
Insomnia
Tics/ tourettes
Growth (low)
What dose of Concerta XL is not licensed for use in ADHD?
Doses of Concerta® XL over 54 mg daily not licensed.
What SE is specific for methylphenidate MR formulations?
Dysphagia
What 3 things should be monitored in a patient taking ADHD meds?
Weight, Height (measured up to 18 years), BP/ pulse- every 6 MONTHLY
Monitor for psychiatric disorders at initiation
What is max dose of lisdexamfetamine in severe renal impairmnent?
Max. dose 50 mg daily.
What specific thing to monitor in patients being started on lisdexamfetamine?
Monitor for aggressive behaviour or hostility during initial treatment.
What are 3 contraindications for ADHD meds?
Patients with CVD, severe HTN, hyperthyroidism
What drug classes interact with amfetamines to increase serotonin syndrome?
Antidepressants (TCA, SSRI, MAOI)
Lithium
Methadone
St John’s wort
Tramadol
5HT1 agonists - sumatriptans.
5HT3 antagonists - Ondansetron
What do serotonergic drugs means?
Drugs which increase serotonin / act on 5HT receptors.
Interaction between serotonergic drugs + amfetamines causes increase in —-
Serotonin syndrome
What do amfetamines do to the heart?
Increases BP + causes tachycardia
Max dose of Lisdexamfetamine mesilate?
70mg per day
Describe the 2 step process of amfetamine overdose?
Wakefulness, paranoia, hypertension, hallucination
Then drops to exhaustion, convulsions, hyperthermia + coma
What is bipolar disorder?
Extreme mood swings that lasts several weeks/ months
What are 9 symptoms of mania?
High energy
Overly ambitious plans
Risky/Harmful acts
Talking very quickly
Easily distracted, irritated
Not eating/ sleeping
Self-importance
Hallucinations, delusions
Out-of- character
What are negative symptoms of Bipolar disorder?
Depression / low mood
What are 3 drug treatment options for acute episodes + maintenance of bipolar disorder?
- Benzos
- Anti-psychotics (haloperidol, quetiapine, Olanzapine, risperidone)
3.lithium
4.valproate
What drug class cannot be given in acute episodes of bipolar disorder?
Anti-depressants
What 2 anti-psychotics are ONY given in acute episodes of BP disorder?
Quetiapine
Risperidone
What is MOA of lithium?
Not understood
What is indication of lithium?
Bipolar disorder
Recurrent depression, agressive/self harm
What is therapeutic index for lithium for maintenance therapy and elderly?
0.4-1mmol/L
How do we do therapeutic drug monitoring for lithium?
Check plasma concentration 12 hrs after dose.
Weekly bloods until stable.
3monthly for 1 year.
Regular monitoring 3 to 6 months.
How often do we monitor lithium levels once stable?
3 to 6 months
What are 5 signs of lithium toxicity? (GREEN)
Gastro effect - vomit + diarrhoea
Renal effect. e.g. Polyuria + hypernatremia
Eyes- blurred vision
Extrapyramidal symptoms e.g. tremor
Nervous system e.g. confusion, drowsy
How to describe lithium toxicity?
SICK + TREMOR
What 2 renal effects are seen in lithium toxicity?
Polyuria
Hypernatremia
How is lithium prescribed?
Prescribed via brand e.g. priadel
What are 5 contraindications for using lithium?
Patients on low sodium diet
Dehydration
Untreated hypothyroidism
Addison’s disease
Cardiac disease
What 2 counselling points to tell patients who are on lithium?
Avoid diet changes that affect sodium.
Stay hydrated.
What is a risk of lithium use?
Renal impairment caused by low sodium and low fluids
What are 6 SEs of lithium use?
Hypothyroidism
Nephrotoxicity
QT prolongation
Benign intracranial Hypertension
Lowers seizure threshold
Rhabdomyolysis
What is the risk of giving lithium to patients with epilepsy?
Lithium lowers seizure threshold
What 4 things to monitor in patient taking lithium?
Lithium levels.
TFTs- hypothyroidism
Calcium levels
Renal profile (egfr, electrolytes) - nephrotoxic
What are 2 symptoms of hypothyroidism?
weight gain
cold intolerance
What to monitor if patient at risk of QT prolongation?
Cardiac function, ECG if CVD risk factors
Can lithium be used in pregnancy?
NO- Avoid if possible, particularly in the first trimester (cardiac abnormalities)
What is target lithium concentration in acute episodes of mania?
0.8–1 mmol/L
How to counsel patients on lithium regarding side effect, benign intracranial hypertension?
Ask patient to report persistent headaches + if visual disturbances
What 2 drug classes increase lithium toxicity?
Diuretics
Nephrotoxic drugs- ARB/ACEi, NSAIDs
What OTC meds reduce lithium concentration?
Effervescent analgesics e.g. paracetamol, na+ antacids
What 7 drug classes interact with lithium to increase serotonin syndrome?
Antidepressants (TCA, SSRI, MAOI)
Lithium
Methadone
St John’s wort
Tramadol
5HT1 agonists - sumatriptans.
5HT3 antagonists - Ondansetron
What 2 things lead to lithium overdose?
HypOnatraemia
Reduced renal excretion
What 2 drug classes can interact with lithium and cause neurotoxicity?
Anti-psychotic
TCA antidepressants
What drug classes can interact with lithium and cause QT prolongation + Arrhythmiad?
Antipsychotic, anti-arrhythmic drugs e.g. sotalol, SSRIs, Clomipramine (TCA), Macrolides, quinolone, Ondansetron, methadone, domperidone, Hydroxyzine
B- agonists-e.g. salbutamol, diuretics, theophyline, corticosteroids
What dangerous CVD condition can hypokalaemia lead to?
Torsade de pointes
What is depression?
Low mood that lasts for weeks or months + affects daily life.
What are 10 symptoms of depression?
Low mood
Helpless
Pessimistic
Low self-esteem
Suicidal thoughts
Apathy
Worry + anxiety
Memory loss/ poor concentration
Guilt, dispair
Irritability
Poor decision- making
What are 5 physical symptoms of depression?
Fatigue
Weight/ appetite gain or loss
Insomnia
Excessive sleeping
Low sex drive
What is 1st line treatment for moderate- severe depression?
SSRI + CBT
What is 2nd line treatment for moderate- severe depression?
Increase SSRI dose, try different SSRI
OR
Add in Mirtazapine (TeCA)
When is MAOI used in depression?
when initiated by specialist