Psychopharmacology Flashcards
In determining IF and WHAT medications are appropriate, there are 4 considerations
AQRO
Assessment - including what non-rx strategies have been tried
Question - clinician knowledge & other options that should have been tried
Review - current meds to reduce/eliminate?
Offer - Individual treatment plans that include education on non-rx options
In addition, we must assess the clinician’s:
Knowledge of pharmacokinetic/dynamic changes that accompany aging!
Pharmacokinetics may be defined as…
What the body does to the drug
Pharmacodynamics may be defined as..
What the drug does to the body
4 Processes effected by aging:
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Excretion
Effects on Absorption & why?
Drugs in body longer!
Decreased intestinal motility
Increased gastric pH
Effects on Distribution & why?
Drugs have more impact!
Decreased total body water
Increased fat:muscle ratio
Knowing what we know of distribution we should…
Use lower doses!
Use lower doses especially with these fat-soluble delicious nuggies.
Benzooooooooos
Effects on Metabolism & why?
Not Well Understood! But RT
Decreased liver size/hepatic flow
Effects on Excretion & why?
Drugs take longer to excrete!
Decreased renal capacity
Increased age-related sensitivity
Knowing what we know about excretion we should..
Use fewer drugs for shorter periods of time OR alternate therapies
T/F We should start adding herbal remedies to deal with excretion issues.
FALSE
Strategies for Safer Medication Use Among Older People Quick’n’Dirty REVIEW
(CASE)!
Avoid & reduce rx/non-rx
Seek, use, teach clients & families alternatives
Create a med-hating culture societal/institutional
Educate clients & supports re: safe use
