Nervous System Medications Flashcards
Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are examples of
Benzodiazepines
Indications for benzodiazepines
- anxiety
- seizures
- muscle spasms
- alcohol withdrawal
- induction/maintenance of anesthesia
Benzodiazepines enhance _____ in the CNS
GABA
Side effects of benzodiazepines
Sedation, respiratory depression, amnesia, dependency/withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are for _____-term use
Short
Patient education for benzodiazepines
Do NOT discontinue these meds abruptly
Nonbenzodiazepine indicated for anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD
Buspirone (Buspar)
Compare buspirone (Buspar) to benzodiazepines
Buspirone has fewer side effects, does not cause sedation, dependency unlikely, and can be used for LONG-term treatment
Buspirone (Buspar) patient education
- full effects not felt for several weeks
- always take WITH OR WITHOUT food to prevent change in absorption level
- NO grapefruit juice
Amytriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil) are examples of
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants increase the effects of _________ and _________ in the CNS
Serotonin; norepinephrine
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
Sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, dysrhythmias, sweating, seizures
Patient education to counteract anticholinergic side effects
Chew gum, wear sunglasses, increase fiber and fluid intake
Phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are examples of
MAOIs (for depression)
Side effects of MAOIs
Agitation/anxiety, orthostatic hypotension, HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
MAOIs interactions
Many OTC cold medications and tyramine rich foods — result in severe hypertension
Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and trazodone (Oleptro) are examples of
Atypical antidepressants
Medication indicated for depression and/or smoking deterrent
Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
Side effects of bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
Insomnia, weight loss, agitation, seizures
Trazodone (Oleptro) side effects
Sedation, hypotension, dry mouth
Trazodone patient education
Avoid alcohol; hard candy or gum for dry mouth
Paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac) are examples of
SSRIs
SSRIs for anxiety and depression work by increasing
Serotonin
SSRI side effects
Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia, serotonin syndrome
S/S of serotonin syndrome
Agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors
SSRI black box warning
Increased risk for suicidal thoughts
SSRI patient education
- DO NOT take w/ St. John’s wort (increased risk for serotonin syndrome)
- full effects not felt for 2 weeks or more
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are examples of
SNRIs
SNRIs for anxiety and depression work by increasing both
Serotonin and norepinephrine
Side effects of SNRIs
Fatigue, insomnia, GI upset (constipation, nausea), dysuria, decreased libido, serotonin syndrome
SNRI black box warning
Increased risk for suicidal thoughts
Common mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder
Lithium (Lithobid)
Key lithium side effects (HINT: LITH)
Leukocytosis (elevated WBCs), Insipidus (DI, polyuria), Tremors (fine hand), Hypothyroidism
Additional side effects of lithium (excluding LITH)
Weight gain, KIDNEY TOXICITY, electrolyte imbalances
Lithium (Lithobid) black box warning
Lithium toxicity
Plasma levels > ___ mEq/L indicate lithium toxicity
1.5
S/S of lithium toxicity
Course tremors, confusion, hypotension, seizures, tinnitus
Medications to avoid on lithium (Lithobid)
Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs
Lithium (Lithobid) is contraindicated for patients with
Renal disease
Lithium (Lithobid) patient education
Need adequate fluid and sodium intake (closely monitor sodium levels!)
Carbamezapine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), valproic acid (Depakene), and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are examples of __________ for the treament of bipolar disorder and seizures/epilepsy
Mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants
Side effects of carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
- blood dycrasias: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- vision issues: nystagmus, diplopia
- hypo-osmolarity (r/t SIADH)
- skin rash
Carbamazepine (Carbatrol/Tegretol) nursing consideration
Monitor CBC levels and for S/S of infection
Side effects of valproic acid (Depakene)
Hepatoxicity, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia
Is valproic acid (Depakene) safe for use during pregnancy?
NO! Black box warning for neural tube defects
Valproic acid (Depakene) nursing consideration
Monitor liver function tests d/t risk for hepatotoxicity (AST, ALT, LDH, bilirubin)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) key side effects
Photosensitivity, skin rashes
Symptoms present in a schizophrenic patient that SHOULD NOT be there (delusions, hallucinations)
Positive symptoms
Lacking of symptoms that SHOULD be there in a schizophrenic patient (anergia, anhedonia)
Negative symptoms
List three examples of first generation (typical) antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), droperidol (Inapsine)
First generation (Typical) antipsychotics are indicated for psychotic disorders and schizophrenia and work by mainly controlling __________ symptoms
Positive
Side effects of first generation (Typical) antipsychotics
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), agranulocytosis, anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, sedation, seizures
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
- Dystonia: involuntary muscle contractions
- Parkinson’s symptoms: shuffling gait, rigidity)
- tardive dyskinesia: lip smacking, tongue rolling
- akathisia: restlessness, pacing
S/S of NMS
Fever, BP fluctuations, dysrhythmias, muscle rigidity
anticholinergics such as _________ can be used to control EPS symptoms associated with first generation (typical) antipsychotics
Benztropine
Muscle relaxants such as __________ can be used to treat NMS associated with first generation (typical) antipsychotics
Dantrolene
List three examples of second generation (atypical) antipsychotics
Risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), clozapine (Clozaril)
Second generation (atypical) antipsychotics work by
Controlling the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Many second generation (atypical) antipsychotics end in
-done or -pine
Side effects of second generation (atypical) antipsychotics
Diabetes, weight gain, increased cholesterol, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, menorrhagia, decreased libido
Clozapine (Clozaril) carries risk for
Agranulocytosis (decreased WBC — risk for infection)
Second generation (atypical) antipsychotics nursing considerations
Monitor blood glucose levels and for s/s of infection