Psychotropic Medications Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to psychotropic medications, their classifications, side effects, and usage guidelines.

Fluoxetine

An SSRI antidepressant known as Prozac/Sarafem, widely prescribed and requires at least 4 weeks before alterations.

Citalopram

An SSRI used for major depression with side effects including nausea, somnolence, and sexual dysfunction.

Edinburgh Scale

A tool used for screening postnatal depression, typically performed 6-8 weeks postpartum.

Zoloft

The brand name for sertraline, recommended for postpartum depression as it does not easily cross into breast milk.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by altered mental status, hyperreflexia, and sweating that occurs 2-72 hours after treatment with serotonergic agents.

Drug Holiday

A planned temporary break from medication to reduce side effects and check treatment progress.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI that can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome and includes side effects like mydriasis.

Duloxetine

An SNRI contraindicated for patients with liver disease or alcohol misuse, known to elevate serum transaminases.

Amitriptyline

A TCA administered at bedtime to limit sedation effects, often associated with orthostatic hypotension.

MAOI

A class of antidepressants that can cause hypertensive crisis if combined with tyramine-containing foods.

Bupropion

An atypical antidepressant that does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sedation.

Lorazepam

A benzodiazepine effective for uncontrolled anxiety, recommended for PRN use with a risk for dependency.

Buspirone

An anxiolytic that does not cause sedation and takes weeks to show effects.

Flurazepam

A benzodiazepine that can cause residual hangover effects, used for sleep.

Zolpidem

A sedative hypnotic used short-term for insomnia, with potential for daytime drowsiness.

Haloperidol

A first-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia that can cause EPS and serious cardiac effects.

Clozapine

A second-generation antipsychotic that poses risks for agranulocytosis, requiring regular blood monitoring.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, critical to monitor renal and thyroid function.

Divalproex Sodium

An agent for mania, less effective than lithium for preventing suicide but effective for depression.

Atomoxetine

A non-stimulant ADHD medication that may cause liver injury and requires monitoring for side effects.