pharmacology 3

Question 1

Antidepressants

Answer 1

work on the
chemistry of the brain is understood largely by inference – that is,
assuming certain substances are related to feelings of wellbeing or
associated with stress responses, and then altering either the
amount of those substances, or limiting or increasing the speed at
which they are utilised

Question 2

most

important agents in mood disorder treatment

Answer 2

Serotonin and noradrenaline

Question 3

Antidepressants are commonly used

Answer 3

treat major depression, the
depressed phase of bipolar disorder, and many anxiety disorders
and phobias

Question 4

Antidepressants are also used in the treatment

Answer 4

eating

disorders and postpartum depression

Question 5

types of Antidepressants

Answer 5

There are first and second generation antidepressants

Question 6

Second generation include

Answer 6

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• SNRIs (selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors)
• NSRIs (noradrenaline AND serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Question 7

first generation include

Answer 7

TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)

• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

Question 8

The major improvement of the newer medications

Answer 8

a reduction in required dose, with associated lower side effect profile, meaning meds are better tolerated

Question 9

SSRIs (2nd Gen) should NOT be used in combination

Answer 9

with MAOIs or

TCAs (1st Gen) due to the possibility of adverse events

Question 10

associated with use of SSRIs,

Answer 10

Serotonin toxicity

Question 11

use of SSRIs, and symptoms

Answer 11

. Neuromuscular excitation (hyperreflexia, hypertonia & rigidity)

2. Autonomic stimulation (hyperthermia, tachycardia & sweating)
3. Changes to mental state (agitation, anxiety & confusion)

Question 12

Serotonin crisis

Answer 12

serotonin syndrome) is a potentially fatal
medical emergency caused specifically by medication interactions
(SSRIs & MAOIs):

Question 13

Serotonin crisis symptoms

Answer 13

Multiple organ failure, severe hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity
• Treatment involves ceasing the medication/s and treating
symptoms

Question 14

Antidepressants – RN Considerations

Answer 14

Depression impacts many aspects of a person’s life, with the
biological aspect being just a part. As a result, medication can only
do so much to help a person alter their mood.

Question 15

Nurses must establish a therapeutic alliance by

Answer 15

using attentive listening
• letting the consumer tell their own
story (including perception of how
any therapy is working or not
working)
• providing verbal and written
information about meds including
action, duration (how long until it
works? how long will I have to
take it?), and any
potential/common side effects
(including how to minimise them)
• assessing efficacy and
progress
• actively monitoring for side
effects (bloods, checklists etc)

Question 16

Monitor suicidal ideation first

Answer 16

2-6 weeks of antidepressant
treatment (due to known risks of
increasing volition prior to
‘feeling better’ – also some
drugs are associated with
‘sudden’ suicidal thoughts in
young people; need monitoring!