OTC CNS Flashcards
What are the symptoms of a cluster headache?
Occurs in clusters
Intense pain in one eye
What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?
Occurs when nose becomes blocked
In sinuses
What are the symptoms of tension headache?
Constant ache that feels like a tight band around the head
What are the symptoms of migraine?
Unilateral throbbing pain Nausea and vomiting Photosensitivity Migraine with or without aura Acute triggers
When do you refer for sumatriptan and migraines?
1st attack in 50+
> 4 attacks in a month
> 24 hour headache
Migraine symptoms have changed
Avoid sumatriptan in liver or renal impairment
CVD
Epilepsy
When do you refer a headache?
Unresponsive to analgesics in 1 day Taking COC with migraine-type headache Recurring headache Neck stiffness Children < 12 Severe headache > 4 hours Recent trauma/injury Increasing severity and frequency Severe deep pain - worse when lying down
What are the OTC products used for headaches?
Simple analgesics
Analgesic with codeine/dihydrocodeine
Antiemetics for migraines - prochlorperazine, buclizine (buccastem M) (migraleve pink)
Sumatriptan 18-65 years
When can you give sumatriptan OTC?
Migraine with or without order
Previously tried simple analgesics
Established pattern > 5 migraines/year
Previously diagnosed by dr or pharmacist
One 50mg tab ASAP after onset
Do not take second dose for same attack
Second dose can be taken after 2 hours if migraine recurs. Max 2 in 24 hours
What is the advice for headaches?
Daily use of analgesics cause chronic daily headache
Codeine/dihydrocodeine causes addiction - no more than 3 days
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
Disturbed sleep Difficulty initiating sleep Difficulty maintaining sleep Early morning waking Poor sleep quality
When do you refer insomnia?
> 3 weeks
Suspected depression
Under 16 years
Medication ADR
What is used OTC for insomnia?
16+ - nytol - diphenhydramine
16+ - promethazine - sominex, phenergan
Take at bedtime
What is the advice for insomnia?
Sleep hygiene
Do not use screens before bed Establish regular sleep routine Avoid napping during day Relax before bedtime Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, exercise and heavy meals before bed
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
Nausea and vomiting
Pale skin
Cold sweats
Dizziness
Triggered by travel by car, air or sea
What are the symptoms for referral for motion sickness?
Symptoms continue after stopping travel
Taking other anticholinergic drugs
