Pharmacology

Question 1

what are the 3 main Mood stabiliser drugs for Bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

1. Lithium
2. Valproate
3. Carbamezapine

Question 2

What is the therapeutic range of lithium?

Answer 2

0.6-1.0 mmol/L

Question 3

At what level does lithium become toxic?

Answer 3

1.2mmol/L

Question 4

What should you be thinking about in the long term when prescribing lithium for a patient with BPAD?

Answer 4

Lithium toxicity- levels must be checked a week after starting/changing dose, monitored weekly until steady levels achieved, and then 3 monthly.
U&Es and TFTs should also be checked every 3 months because lithium can cause renal impairment and hypothyroidism

Question 5

what should you remember to advise women of child bearing age when hinking about prescribing mood stabilisers for BPAD

Answer 5

mood stabilisers are teratogenic so advise women to be on contraceptive pill

Question 6

What are the main side effects of lithium?

Answer 6

• mild tremor
• Nausea and vomiting
• polyuria, polydipsia
• arrythmias
• hypothyroidism
• weight gain