PPT- Anxiety, Sibstance Misuse, Stress Disorders Flashcards
Whats the pharmacological treatment options for GAD?
SSRI - sertraline is first line (other options are escitalopram or paroxetine)
Whats the pharmacological treatment options for acute stress disorder or PTSD?
Antidepressant - paroxetine or mirtazepine
Consider short term benzos for help sleeping
Whats the risk of giving benzos in acute stress disorder?
There is a link between giving benzos for >2 weeks and increasing the risk of ASD progressing to PTSD
Outline the MOA of SSRI?
In the acute situation it prevents reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft which increases the amount of serotonin at the end plate which reduces neuron firing
In the chronic situation this process adapts and you end up with increased firing
What are the important side effects of SSRIs?
Anxiety
Arthralgia
Impact on appetite + may increase weight
GI side effects
Sleep impact
Constipation
Dizziness
QT interval prolongation
Hyponatraemia
What are other considerations for SSRIs?
Serotonin syndrome risk (especially with poly pharmacy)
Must be withdrawn gradually
Can increase the risk of bleeding - particularly GI bleeding if used alongside NSAIDs
Whats the moa of benzodiazepines?
They bind to the GABA-A receptor =conformational change = enhances the affinity of GABA for its binding site on the receptor = increase in the influx of CL- into the neuron = hyperpolarizes the cell membrane and makes it less likely to fire an action potential
Why were benzos invented?
To replace barbiturates - considered safer in overdose as they have a wider therapeutic window
What are the useful efefcts of benzos?
Sedation - reduced sensory input to the reticular activating system
Sleep induction (hypnosis) at high concentrations
Anterograde amnesia
Anxiolysis
Anticonvulsant activity
Reduces muscle tone
Give examples of when the anterograde amnesia properties of benzos is used?
Date rape drug (flunitrazepam) aka rohypnol
Midazolam for endoscopy so you cant remember it’s unpleasant
How should you manage a pt displaying violent or aggressive behaviour?
Options include:
Manual restraint
Rapid tranquilisation
Seclusion
Mechanical restraint in high-secure setting
What can be used for rapid tranquilisation?
IM lorazepam
IM haloperidol and promethazine
When is IM lorazepam used first line for rapid tranquilisation?
If uncertain antipsychotic drug history
If cardiac history or no ECG to exclude it
What are the risks of using benzos for rapid tranquilisation?
Loss of consciousness
Respiratory depression
CV collapse
Disinhibition
What are the risks of using antipsychotics for rapid tranquilisation?
Loss of consciousness
CV and respiratory complications/collapse
Seizures
Acute dystonia reactions
NMS
Excessive sedation
What monitoring should be done after rapid tranquilisation?
Every 15 minutes for at least 1 hour there should be intense monitoring - temp, pulse, BP, hydration, consciousness level and RR
The pt muster remain under eyesight observation until they are fully ambulatory again
Where does ethanol act in the brain?
Ethanol can bind to specific sites on the GABA-A receptor complex, including the alpha subunits, and enhance the activity of the receptor, leading to increased chloride ion influx and further inhibition of neural activity. This is thought to contribute to the sedative and anxiolytic effects of ethanol, as well as its potential for abuse and dependence.
It is worth noting that ethanol can also act on other ion channels and receptors in the brain, such as NMDA glutamate receptors, serotonin receptors, and voltage-gated calcium channels.
How should you manage alcohol withdrawal?
A reducing course of Chlordiazepoxide if they typically drink 15 units of alcohol a day or more
Pabrinex IV for those at high risk of wernickes. Otherwise thiamine oral and multivitamins
Why is chlordiazepoxide the benzo of choice for alcohol withdrawal?
Mainly because it has a longer half life than other benzos which allows for a more gradual and sustained reduction in sympotms