Pharmacologic Management- Anti-manics Flashcards
What is lithium carbonate used to treat?
Manic Bipolar
Who are some “non-responders” for lithium?
Rapid cyclers and mixed states.
Is relief full or partial for lithium?
Partial.
What are some brand names for lithium?
Eskalith, Lithionate- anything with lith
What is the mechanism of action for Lithium?
Works inside neuron (Not neurotransmitter), blocks action of guanine and causes neurotransmitters to function less efficiently.
What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
Very narrow- 0.6 to 1.2
What can cause severe toxicity of lithium?
Very small elevations about the therapeutic level.
What is crucial to function properly to be prescribed lithium and why?
Renal function because it is excreted through the kidney- it would cause a build up of lithium.
How are lithium levels checked?
By blood draws.
When should lithium levels be checked?
Periodically, and 12 hours after the last dose
What is the therapeutic response to lithium and how fast should it start working?
A week after treatment, first symptoms to abate are agitation, irritability, and insominia
What happens if a patient stops lithium quickly?
They will quickly relapse.
What are some mild signs of lithium toxicity and its level?
Fine tremor, GI upset, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, lethargy. over 1.2
What are some moderate signs of lithium toxicity and its level?
Coarsening of tremor, GI upset continues, confusion, sedation, advance to ataxia, dysarthmia, and change in mental status. Acts drunk. 1.5-2.0
What are some severe signs of lithium toxicity and the level?
Death… over 3.0. seizures, coma, Cardiovascular collapse.
