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Mental Health > Psychiatric Drugs > Flashcards

Psychiatric Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

What side effects can adrenergic drugs cause?

A

Sweating, tremor, headaches, nausea, dizziness

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2
Q

What side effect can muscarinic drugs cause?

A

Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, thrist, difficulty urinating/urinary retention, hot flushed skin, dry skin

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3
Q

What side effect can drugs acting on histamine receptors cause?

A

Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, N+V

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4
Q

What are the types of antidepressants?

A

SSRIs
SNRIs
Tricyclics
MAOIs

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5
Q

Which are the most commonly used antidepressants?

A

SSRIs

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6
Q

Name some SSRIs

A

Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Citalopram

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7
Q

Which is more effective in mild/moderate depression; a TCA or an SSRI?

A

They are just as effective as each other

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8
Q

Which is more effective in severe depression; a TCA or an SSRI?

A

A TCA

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9
Q

Can SSRIs be used in under 18s?

A

Nope, no evidence it works (excpet using fluoxetine with caution)

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10
Q

When should an SSRI be taken, and why?

A

In the morning as it disrupts sleep pattern if given at night

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11
Q

How do SSRIs work mainly? (MoA)

A

Reduce neuronal reuptake of serotonin

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12
Q

What other low affinity do SSRIs have?

A

Muscarinic, histaminergic, and adrenergic receptors

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13
Q

Which is less dangerous in overdose, SSRIs or TCAs?

A

SSRIs

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14
Q

How do SSRIs work?

A

Prevent reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neurone so more is available. It also causes downregulation of the 5-HT inhibitory receptors.

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15
Q

How well are SSRIs absorbed in the gut?

A

Well absorbed

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16
Q

What is the half life of SSRIs?

A

24 hours

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17
Q

How long after an SSRI is started is improvement seen?

A

2-4 weeks

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18
Q

Can SSRIs be combined with MAOIs? Why?

A

No!
The combination of multiple drugs that increase serotonin levels can lead to dangerous serotonin levels with adverse effects

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19
Q

Which SSRIs shouldnt be used with TCAs? Why not?

A

Paroxetine and fluoxetine

Alter hepatic metabolism of TCAs -> toxicity

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20
Q

What side effects can SSRIs cause?

A 
Increased anxiety
Emotional numbness
Headache
Nausea/Vomiting
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Loss of libido
Possible increased risk of suicidal/self harm thoughts
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21
Q

What can SSRIs do in epilepsy?

A

Can prolong a seizure

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22
Q

What can SSRIs do to other drugs?

A

Alter metabolism of some hepatically metabolised drugs

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23
Q

What can too much serotonin cause (i.e. when ssris are used with maois)?

A

Tremor
Hyperthermia
CVS S/Es

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24
Q

Can SSRIs be used in bipolar?

A

Noooooooooooooo

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25
Q

Can SSRIs be addictive?

A

Probably not, but withdrawal symptoms can occur if they are withdrawn too quickly

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26
Q

Which SSRI is 1st line?

A

Sertraline

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27
Q

Why is sertraline good?

A

Safest ssri in CVS disease

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28
Q

What can citalopram cause?

A

Long QT syndrome

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29
Q

What should be monitored with citalopram and when?

A

ECG for long QT syndrome before commencing, and after

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30
Q

Which SSRI has the longest half life?

A

Fluoxetine

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31
Q

What class of drug is clozapine?

A

An atypical antipsychotic

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32
Q

Which receptors does clozapine act on?

A

D1, D2, 5-HT, α1 adrenoceptors, and muscarinic receptors

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33
Q

What makes clozapine an atypical antipsychotic?

A

It acts on serotonin recpetors as well as dopamine receptors

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34
Q

How does clozapine act on serotonin receptors?

A

As an agonist

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35
Q

How does clozapine act on dopamine receptors?

A

As an antagonist

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36
Q

What is the indication for cloazpine according to the BNF?

A

Schizophrenia in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of, conventional antipsychotic drugs

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37
Q

How many conventional drugs should be trialed before commencing cloazpine?

A

2 others i.e. clozapine is third line

38
Q

What other neuro disease can clozapine be used in?

A

PD with psychosis

39
Q

What dose should adults aged 18-65 be started on for clozapine?

A

12.5 mg 1–2 times a day for day 1

40
Q

How should clozapine be escalated?

A

After day 1, 25–50 mg for day 2, then increased, if tolerated, in steps of 25–50 mg daily, dose to be increased gradually over 14–21 days, increased to up to 300 mg daily in divided doses, larger dose to be taken at night, up to 200 mg daily may be taken as a single dose at bedtime

41
Q

How should clozapine be escalated in 18-65 year olds?

A

After day 1, 25–50 mg for day 2, then increased, if tolerated, in steps of 25–50 mg daily, dose to be increased gradually over 14–21 days, increased to up to 300 mg daily in divided doses, larger dose to be taken at night, up to 200 mg daily may be taken as a single dose at bedtime

42
Q

How should clozapine be administered in elderly pts?

A

12.5 mg once daily for day 1, then increased to 25–37.5 mg for day 2, then increased, if tolerated, in steps of up to 25 mg daily, dose to be increased gradually over 14–21 days, increased to up to 300 mg daily in divided doses

43
Q

What has clozapine been associated with that is important for pt safety? (think GI)

A

Varying degrees of impairment of intestinal peristalsis

44
Q

What type of psychoses is clozapine contraindicated in?

A

Alcoholic and toxic psychoses

45
Q

What haematological contraindications are there for clozapine?

A

Hx of agranulocytosis

Hx of neutropenia

46
Q

What CVS conditions is clozapine contraindicated in?

A

Hx of circulatory collapse

Any severe cardiac disroders

47
Q

What CNS disorders is clozapine contraindicated in?

A

Severe epilepsy

Severe CNS depression

48
Q

What should be monitored with clozapine, and how regularly?

A
  • FBC (esp for WBCs) every week for 18 weeks, then every 4 weeks after that
  • Blood glucose
  • Blood lipids and weight
  • LFTs
49
Q

What major side effect is associated with clozapine?

A

Agranulocytosis

50
Q

What is the correct way to stop clozapine?

A

On planned withdrawal reduce dose over 1–2 weeks to avoid risk of rebound psychosis. If abrupt withdrawal necessary observe patient carefully.

51
Q

What other side effects are experienced with clozapine?

A

Constipation
Hypersalivation
Weight gain
Sedation

52
Q

What should happenw ith any antipsychotic before commencing it, especially if there is a history of CVS disease?

A

A baseline ECG should be done

53
Q

What is agranulocytosis?

A

A severe acute lack of white blood cells, usually due to reduced numbers of neutrophils (but can be any class of WBC in severe shortage)

54
Q

Considering its GI side effects, what should be considered contraindications when starting clozapine?

A
  • Hx of bowel surgery or colonic disease

- Pts receiving drugs that may cause constipation eg anti-muscarinics

55
Q

What happens in a clozapine overdose?

A
  • Depressed consciousness and respiratory drive (although less than with other sedatives)
  • Hypotension, hypothermia, sinus tachycardia and arrhythmias may complicate overdose
56
Q

Can clozapine be given in hepatic impairment?

A

No

57
Q

Can clozapine be given in renal impairment?

A

Not in severe impairment

58
Q

Can clozapine cause extrapyramidal S/Es?

A

Yes if at high doses, but not normally as it is an atypical antipsychotic

59
Q

Name some commonly prescribed mood stabilisers

A 
Lithium
Sodium valproate
Carbamezepine
Lamotrigine
Antipsychotics
60
Q

How is clozapine metabolised?

A

By CYP450 in the liver

61
Q

What is the half life of clozapine?

A

About 14 hours

62
Q

What is the indication for Lithium according to the BNF?

A

Treatment and prophylaxis of 1. mania, 2. bipolar disorder, 3. recurrent depression, and 4. aggressive/self harming behaviour

63
Q

What is the issue with the different preparations of lithium?

A

They have different bioavailabilities so changing the preparation requires the same precautions as initiation of treatment.

64
Q

What precautions should be taken when initiating lithium?

A

Dose adjusted according to serum-lithium concentration, doses are initially divided throughout the day, but once daily administration is preferred when serum-lithium concentration stabilised.

65
Q

What are the contraindicatiosn for all Lithium salts?

A 
Addison's disease
Heart failure
Untreated hypothyroidism
Hx/FHx of Brugada syndrome
Dehydration or low sodium diets
66
Q

Why is lithium contraindicated in Addison’s disease?

A

Lithium inhibits the action of fludrocortisone in the distal kidney tubules (so treatment of addisons becomes ineffective and hypotension can occur)

67
Q

How does lithium work as a mood stabiliser?

A

Theory - competition with electrolytes at channels, increases serotonin and decreases 5-HT receptors long term, and possible alteration to neurotransmitter-receptor binding as a second messanger

68
Q

How is lithium metabolised/excreted?

A

Excreted by kidneys

69
Q

Which drugs is lithium not recommended with, considering its excretion?

A

NSAIDs and ACE-Is

70
Q

When should bloods be taken to monitor lithium? Why?

A

12 hours after last dose as it has a narrow therapeutic window

71
Q

What specific blood checks should be done before commencing lithium? How should they be monitored from then on?

A

Thyroid function and renal function. Every 6 months after commencing lithium,

72
Q

Which mood stabiliser has the best evidence?

A

Lithium

73
Q

What do 52% of pts on lithium experience?

A

Memory problems (long term use)

74
Q

What do 34% of pts on lithium experience?

A

Tremor

75
Q

What do 24% of pts on lithium experience?

A

Drowsiness

76
Q

How does a lithium overdose manifest?

A

V&D, coarse tremor, dysarthria, cognitive impairment, restlessness, agitation

77
Q

How should a lithium overdose be treated?

A

Increase fluid intake
Anticonvulsants
Supportive measures
Haemodialysis may be necessary

78
Q

What is the first step on the depression treatment ladder for any level of suspected depression?

A

Assess, support and advise.

Psychoeducation, active monitoring and further referral.

79
Q

For persistent subthreshold depressive symptoms, and mild to moderate depression, what is the second step of management?

A

Low intensity psychosocial interventions
Psychological intervention
Medication
Referral for further assessment.

80
Q

If second step of management for depressive symptoms doesnt work, what is the next step?

A

Medication
High intensity psychological interventions
Combined treatment and collaborative care

81
Q

What is the management for severe and complex depression, risk to life, or severe self-neglect?

A

Medication, high-intensity psychological interventions, electroconvulsive therapy, crisis service, combined treatments, multiprofessional and inpatient care

82
Q

In terms of drug choice for depression, how do we choose what to start with?

A

Discussing treatment options with the patient

83
Q

After the 1st agent is tried, how do we reassess?

A

Is the pt happy with the treatment? If so, continue.

If not, try another SSRI or and SNRI.

84
Q

What do we try if 2 SSRIs have already failed?

A

An SNRI

85
Q

What side effects are classic antipsychotics associated with?

A

Extrapyramidal side-effects

86
Q

What are the extrapyramidal side-effects?

A
  • Parkinsonism
  • Acute dystonia
  • Akathisia
  • Tardive dyskinease
87
Q

What is acute dystonia?

A

Sustained muscle contraction

88
Q

How can acute dystonia assciated with antipsychotics manifest?

A
  • Torticollis - abnormal head or neck position

- Oculogyric crisis - prolonged upward deviation of eyes.

89
Q

What is akathisia?

A

Severe restlessness

90
Q

What is tardive dyskinesia, and why is it different to other EPSEs?

A

Late onset choreoathetoid movements like tics, e.g. chewing or pouting of jaw.

Occurs much later onset i.e. with long term antipsychotic use.

91
Q

How can EPSEs be managed?

A

If a patient cannot come off antipsychotics, use of procyclidine

Mental Health (17 decks)

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