Pharm Psych exam Flashcards
Olanzapine and fluoxetine
Symbax
Acute depressive episodes in bipolar 1.
Treatment resistant depression (TRD)
Box warning:
Increased mortality in elderly with dementia related psychosis, Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
mirtazepine
(Remeron)
Antidepressant
Sedation and weight gain are two prominent side effects of this agent.
Dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine MOA
Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate MOA =
Unknown but it does block reuptake and increase release of norepinephrine and dopamine extraneuronal space
Autistic disorder
lifelong disorder with few of these individuals living independently
Behavioral management techniques are used to reduce the rigid behaviors and improve social functioning
Neuroleptics are used to help decrease aggressive behaviors
Antipsychotics EPS
Extrapyramidal Symptoms=
Akathisia-subjective feeling of restlessness can be treated with a BZD like lorazepam (Ativan).
Parkinsonism such as shuffling gait, cogwheel rigidity=benztropine (Cogentin).
Acute dystonias=involuntary contractions of major muscle groups such as TD = Cogentin or Artane (trihexyphenidyl)
Trazodone
(Oleptro)
Predisposition to priapism;
Adverse Reactions:
Somnolence/sedation, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, syncope, arrhythmias, hypotension,
MOA of SSRI’s
(SSRI’s block reabsorption of serotonin)
(SSRIs inhibit the serotonin reuptake pump and increase postsynaptic serotonin receptor occupancy. )
- Major route of removal of serotonin is to reuptake of
serotonin - inhibit reuptake of 5HT only
- Cause increase in availability of 5HT Locally
- Relieves depression
Enuresis Treatment
Desmopressin- synthetic antidiuretic hormone
Imipramine- (Tricyclic antidepressant)
Neurotransmitter:
Dopamine
Controls Complex movements, motivation, cognition, regulates emotional responses
Lithium labs
Lithium levels should be measured
Prior to beginning medication,
UA, BUN, Creatinine, Thyroid, Calcium, HCG and ECG for those over 40
BUN/Creatinine should be checked every 2-3 months for first 6 months and 6-12 months from then on.
Thyroid should be checked once or twice in first 6 months and every 6-12 months from then on.
buspirone
Buspar
The mechanism of action of buspirone is unknown.
Buspirone has a high affinity for serotonin 5-HT1Aand 5-HT2receptors, without affecting benzodiazepine-GABA receptors
Bulimia Nervosa
Normal body weight (or above normal body weight) is maintained
Treatment:
SSRIs (fluoxetine) (only FDA approved med)
TCAs
MAOIs
Individual psychotherapy, family therapy and group therapy
Russell’s sign (callous knuckles)
Cocaine Toxicity
Know Benzodiazepine (Valium) is best for agitation, Hypertension and Myocardial Ischemia
DO NOT GIVE BETA BLOCKERS such as Labetalol!!
REASON: There are theoretical concerns of coronary artery vasoconstriction and systemic hypertension, which can result from unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation
Personality disorders
Cluster B
Antisocial
Borderline
Histrionic
Narcissistic
Stimulants Cocaine
Cocaine—
The reinforcing properties of cocaine are mediated by its ability to block the dopamine transporter and increase dopaminergic activity in critical brain regions
SNRI’s
Drugs
desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
duloxetine (Cymbalta)
venlafaxine (Effexor)
sodium oxybate
Xyrem
(Anti-narcoleptic) (CNS depressant) (MOA is unknown)
Cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients ≥7yrs of age with narcolepsy.
Contraindications:
Concomitant sedative hypnotics or alcohol
Boxed Warning:
CNS depression. Abuse and misuse
Risk of CNS depression.
REMS Yes
MOA of SSRI’s
(SSRI’s block reabsorption of serotonin)
- Major route of removal of serotonin is to reuptake of
serotonin - inhibit reuptake of 5HT only
- Cause increase in availability of 5HT Locally
- Relieves depression
Suicide mnemonic
IS PATH WARM
I = ideas/threats about suicide communicated directly S = Substance abuse/excessive or increased P = purposelessness, giving up, no reason to live A = Anxiety/agitation/insomnia T = Trapped, no way out of tough situation H = Hopeless/nothin will ever change or get better W = withdrawing from friends/family/society A = Anger (uncontrolled, rage, seeking revenge R = Recklessness/risky/don't care behaviors M = Mood Changes (guilt/grief/ wish I was never born)
PMS managment
A number of approaches, including lifestyle measures (exercise and relaxation techniques), cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]
Why are SSRI’s used as first line?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently used as first-line antidepressants because of their efficacy, tolerability, and general safety in overdose.
1st line Treatment for ADD / ADHD
Pharmacotherapy (1st line treatment) Stimulants Methylphenidate (ritalin) Dextroamphetamine (Vyvanse) Dextroamphetamine /amphetamine salts (Adderall)
greatest efficacy
contraindicated in known cardiac risk/ abnormalities
Drug holidays
Autistic disorder
Meds
Irritability- 2 second generation antipsychotics
risperidone (Risperdal)
aripiprazole (Abilify)
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Repetitive Behaviors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
risperidone (Risperdal)
valproate (Depakote)
valbenazine
Ingrezza
(Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor)
used for Tardive dyskinesia.
Warnings:
Somnolence. Avoid in congenital long QT syndrome or arrhythmias associated with a prolonged QT interval
Adverse Reactions:
Somnolence, anticholinergic effects, balance disorders/fall,
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors,
Deplete dopamine at presynaptic striatal nerve terminals, are a class of drugs that have long been used to treat hyperkinetic movement disorders
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxideis abused most commonly as “whippets
What is the SSRI of choice when drug - drug interactions are a concern?
Citalopramandescitalopraminhibit liver enzymes less than other SSRIs and are thus the SSRIs of choice for situations in which drug-drug interactions are a concern.
MAOI Diet
MAO is distributed in tissues throughout the body. The blockade of MAOIa in the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the “cheese reaction” associated with MAOIs. This refers to a severe hypertensive crisis that can occur after patients on MAOIs ingest foods containing the sympathomimetic tyramine.
Neurotransmitter:
Serotonin
Regulation of emotions, controls food intake, sleep/wakefulness, pain control, sexual behaviors
Personality disorders
Cluster A
Paranoid
Schizoid
Schizotypal
PTSD & Acute Stress Disorder
Treatments
Support
Encouragement to discuss event
Education about a variety of coping mechanisms
Psychotherapy
MEDS:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Tricyclics
Anticonvulsants
Hallucinogens
DXM = Dextromethorphan
PCP = Phencyclidine or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine
Ketamine
LSD = Lysergic acid diethylamide
Mescaline = 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine
desmopressin
Vasopressin (synthetic).
Primary nocturnal enuresis.
Contraindications:
Moderate to severe renal impairment
(CrCl <50mL/min). History of Hyponatremia
MOA of bupropion
Reuptake inhibition of : Norepinephrine transporter (NET) Dopamine transporter (DAT)
MOA may involve the presynaptic release of Norepi or dopamine
Treatment for ADD / ADHD (non stimulant)
Atomoxetine (straterra)
SSRI’s
A- agonists
Clonodine (catapres, kapvay)
Antihypertensive agents
Mechanism in ADHD unknown
ADHD meds
Adderall: dextroamphetamine/amphetamine
Adderall XR: dextroamphetamine/amphetamine
Catapres: clonidine
Concerta: methylphenidate
Dexedrine: dextroamphetamine
Effexor: venlafaxine
More meds: Intuniv: guanfacine Kapvay: clonidine Ritalin: methylphenidate Ritalin LA: methylphenidate Strattera: atomoxetine Tenex: guanfacine Vyvanse: lisdexamfetamine Wellbutrin: bupropion hydrochloride
First-generation antipsychotic medications (FGAs), also known as neuroleptics or conventional antipsychotics, cause
High rates of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), including rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, and akathisia (restlessness).
They also frequently lead to tardive dyskinesia—hyperkinetic, involuntary movements most readily observed in the face and extremities.
MOA of SNRI’s
The serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) appear to treat depression by initially blocking presynaptic serotonin and norepinephrine transporter proteins.
This inhibits reuptake of these neurotransmitters and leads to increased stimulation of post-synaptic receptors.
Side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, and diaphoresis.
Watch out for patients with HTN!!
lamotrigine
Lamictal
Slight risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome -(TEN)
Treatment of ADHD may involve
Behavioral/psychologic interventions,
medication,
and/or educational interventions,
alone or in combination.
Decisions regarding the choice of therapy should involve the patient and his or her parents.
2nd generation of atypical antipsychotics
MOA
Primarily Block D2 and 5HT2A receptors
1st gen blocks only D2
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline)
clonidine
Kapvay (Central alpha-2 agonist)
used in ADHD, as monotherapy or as an adjunct to stimulant medications.
Potentiated by alcohol, other CNS depressants
(eg, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, barbiturates)
Potentiates AV block, bradycardia with drugs that affect sinus node function or AV node conduction
(eg, digitalis, calcium channel blockers, β-blockers)
Additive effects with anti-hypertensives
Hypotensive effects may be antagonized by tricyclic antidepressants
Adverse Reactions:
Somnolence, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, dizziness; bradycardia
Postpartum Depression
Five or more symptoms present during 2-week period with at least one symptoms being
Depressed mood
or
Loss of interest or pleasure
Treatment:
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
desmopressin MOA
reduction in overnight urine production
via stimulation of ADH
which causes less urine production
SSRI Side Effects
Sexual dysfunction – 17 percent
Drowsiness – 17 percent
Weight gain – 12 percent
Lithium General info
First med specifically for Bipolar disorder (1940’s)
Unknown why it works for mania
Levels should be measured
(watch for lithium toxicity)
Lithiumlevels are closely related to renal function, salt balance, and water balance.
Dehydration causes higher lithium levels,
increasing sodium intake causes lower lithium levels, and
decreased sodium intake causes an increase in serum lithium levels.
Lithiumis contraindicated in patients with significant renal impairment, sodium depletion, dehydration, significant cardiovascular disease.
Excessivelithiumlevels can lead to toxicity with severe side effects and multisystem dysfunction which can be fatal if not recognized.
Side effects included Nausea, tremor, polyuria and thirst, weight gain, loose stools, and cognitive impairment
Venlafaxine
Effexor (SNRI)
Initially 75mg/day in 2–3 divided doses; may increase at 4-day intervals in 75mg/day increments to 150mg/day;
Contraindications:
During or within 14 days of MAOIs (see Interactions).
Boxed Warning:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Warnings:
Monitor for serotonin syndrome; discontinue immediately if occurs.
Pre-existing hypertension, cardio- or cerebrovascular disease. Monitor BP before and during treatment; consider dose reduction or discontinuation if elevated BP persists. Heart disease (eg, recent MI, heart failure).
Extrapyramidal symptoms Time frames
Minutes - hours = Acute dystonic reaction
Torticollis, laygospasms, oculogyric crisis
Tx: Benztropine / anticholinergics
Days = Pseudoparkinsonism
Bradykinesia, rigidity, cogwheel rigidity, perioral tremor
Tx: Benztropine
Days-weeks = Akithisia
Tx: Benzodiazepines, Beta blockers
Long term = Tardive dyskinesia
Tx: Atypical or clozapine
(often irreversible)
bupropion
Zyban
Aid in smoking cessation.
Contraindications:
Seizure disorders.
Boxed Warning:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
(Persistent Depressive Disorder-DSM-V)
Tx:
Treatment:
SSRIs, bupropion, TCAs and MAOIs
Psychotherapy (esp. effective when combined with pharmacotherapy)
flumazenil
Benzodiazepine antagonist.
Reversal of benzodiazepine sedative effects in overdose, general anesthesia or conscious sedation
Contraindications:
Patients treated with benzodiazepines for life threatening conditions
Boxed Warning:
Occurrence of seizures.
Adverse Reactions:
Seizures, local reactions, dizziness
Warnings/Precautions:
Monitor for resedation (at least 2hrs), respiratory depression, other residual benzodiazepine effects, seizures
Disulfiram MOA
inhibits acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
Results in increased acetalaldehyde in blood
causes unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed
Solriamfetol
Sunosi
To improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Contraindications:
During or within 14 days of MAOIs.
Interactions:
May increase risk of hypertensive reaction with concomitant MAOIs.
Schedule III meds
Narcotics (Tylenol 3, Buprenorphine)
Ketamine
Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder
Citalopram 10mg Escitalopram 5-10mg Fluoxetine 10mg Paroxetine 10mg Sertraline 25mg
SSRI’s 2nd gen antipsychs
phentermine
Lomaira
(Sympathomimetic-MOA unknown but stimulate CNS activity)
A short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index ≥30kg/m2, or ≥27kg/m2in the presence of other risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia).
Contraindications:
Cardiovascular disease (eg, coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, CHF, uncontrolled hypertension). During or within 14 days of MAOIs.
Hyperthyroidism. Glaucoma. Agitated states.
History of drug abuse.
Pregnancy (Cat.X). Nursing mothers.
In Summary on Depression!
Pharmacology – initiate SSRI anti-depressant
Non-pharmacology – exercise, regular meals, socialization (Things to treat anhedonia)
Patient Education – signs/symptoms of worsening, call the office or 911-ER
Get a contract for safety and find community resources.
Follow-up – appointment made for counseling with therapist
Return to your office in one to three weeks for follow-up. Sooner with any concerns or thought of self-harm.
Make sure patient are seeing PCP!
Adjustment Disorder
Treatment
Psychotherapy remains the treatment of choice for adjustment disorder
Crisis intervention may be necessary
Pharmacological agents are not indicated except for co-existing conditions – depression, anxiety
What meds have anticholinergic properties
Antipsychotics
Serotonin Syndrome
Although classically described as the triad of
mental status changes, autonomic hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities,
serotonin syndrome is actually a spectrum of clinical findings ranging from benign to lethal.
Bottom Line for Schizophrenia disorders
Patients treated with an antipsychotic for schizophrenia should be assessed prior to treatment if possible and at regular intervals for:
Signs of a movement disorder including extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.
Symptoms of metabolic syndrome including measurements of body mass index, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, serum lipids, and blood pressure
ECG for patients with a history of cardiac disease or when starting an antipsychotic that prolongs the QT interval.
We recommend antipsychotic medication as first-line medication treatment for acute and maintenance phase treatment for schizophrenia.
For patients with schizophrenia who have recovered from an acute psychotic episode, we suggest that antipsychotic medication should be continued indefinitely at the lowest effective dose that achieves therapeutic goals. This approach is suggested even for patients who have achieved remission from a first psychotic episode.
Typical or First Generation Antipsychotics
First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) are characterized by strong antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors in both cortical and striatal areas.
haloperidol (Haldol)
fluphenazine (Prolixin)
chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Why should olanzapine (zyprexa) not be used as a first-line agent for first-episode patients
olanzapineis associated with significant weight gain and metabolic adverse effects
May be considered for those that fail first line tx
guanfacine
Intuniv (Central alpha-2A agonist)
used in ADHD, as monotherapy or as an adjunct to stimulant medications.
Warnings:
Concomitant antihypertensive, other risks for hypotension, syncope, bradycardia, heart block, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Monitor heart rate and BP prior to initiation, after dose increases, and periodically during therapy. Avoid abrupt discontinuation to minimize risk of rebound hypertension
Avoid with alcohol.
varenicline
Chantix (Nicotinic receptor partial agonist)
Dosage:
Initially 0.5mg once daily on Days 1–3, then 0.5mg twice daily on Days 4–7, then 1mg twice daily thereafter.
Warnings
Monitor for neuropsychiatric adverse events (eg, behavioral changes, agitation, depression, suicidal ideation);
Pre-existing psychiatric disorders. History of seizures or other factors that can lower seizure threshold. Cardiovascular disease; monitor for new or worsening signs/symptoms
Interactions:
May affect alcohol tolerance; reduce alcohol consumption until effects are known
Adverse Reactions:
Nausea, other GI effects (eg, constipation, flatulence, vomiting), sleep disturbance (eg, abnormal dreams, insomnia); nicotine withdrawal symptoms (due to smoking cessation), neuropsychiatric symptoms (may be serious), cardiovascular events; seizures