Pharmacology Practice: Psychotropic, GI, Pain, and Sensory Medications

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering psychiatric medications, GI treatments, pain management, and sensory organ pharmacology based on the provided lecture notes.

Diazepam

A prototype Benzodiazepine and CNS depressant linked to GABA deficiency; used for anxiety and sleep, it requires tapering and has flumazenil as its antidote.

Flumazenil

The specific antidote used to reverse the effects of Benzodiazepines.

Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents

GABA enhancers like Eszopiclone (Lunaesta), Zolpidem (Ambien), and Zaleplon (Sonata) used for short-term insomnia; side effects include night walking, driving, or eating while not fully awake.

Ramelteon (Rozerem)

A melatonin M1 and M2 receptor agonist that binds to specific receptors to regulate the sleep-wake cycle for the treatment of insomnia.

First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs)

Conventional antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors in the CNS; they can cause serious movement disorders known as Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).

Haloperidol (Haldol)

A high-potency FGA that blocks D2 receptors in the limbic area; side effects include low sedation but high incidence of EPS such as acute dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.

Clozapine (Clozaril)

A Second-Generation Antipsychotic (SGA) that blocks dopamine and serotonin; it carries a risk of agranulocytosis (low WBC) and requires regular blood monitoring.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Drugs like amitriptyline and nortriptyline that block neuronal reuptake of monoamines; adverse effects include fatal cardiac toxicity.

Fluoxetine

A prototype SSRI that is taken in the morning to treat depression; it should never be combined with MAOIs.

Serotonin Syndrome

An adverse effect of SSRIs and SNRIs characterized by an excitable state due to excessive serotonin levels.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI that blocks reuptake of serotonin and NE to increase mood; it requires blood pressure monitoring as it can cause hypertension.

Bupropion

An atypical antidepressant (S/DRI) that raises dopamine and NE; used for depression, sexual dysfunction, and smoking/alcohol cessation.

MAOIs (Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid)

Antidepressants that prevent the breakdown of monoamines; they require a tyramine-free diet to avoid hypertensive crisis.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer for Bipolar Disorder with a therapeutic range of $0.5-1.5$; levels above $1.5$ indicate toxicity.

Carbamazepine

An antiepileptic used for mood stabilization that blocks sodium channels; adverse effects include bone marrow suppression and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Valproic Acid

An antiepileptic that increases GABA; adverse effects include hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and pancreatitis.

Amphetamines / Methylphenidates

CNS stimulants for ADHD that increase dopamine and NE; nursing interventions include monitoring growth (height/weight) and implementing "drug holidays" on weekends.

Phentermine

An adrenergic anorexiant that increases NE in the hypothalamus to suppress appetite for short-term weight loss.

Orlistat

A lipase inhibitor that binds to gastric and pancreatic lipases to prevent the absorption of 30% of ingested fat, potentially causing fat-soluble vitamin deficiency.

Famotidine

A prototype H2 receptor antagonist that blocks receptors in the stomach to inhibit gastric acid production; used for GERD and peptic ulcers.

Omeprazole

A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) used short-term to block the proton pump and lower gastric acid.

Ondansetron

A 5-HT3 (serotonin) antagonist used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and post-op recovery.

Psyllium (Metamucil)

A bulk-forming laxative that functions like dietary fiber, swelling with water to form a gel that softens and increases fecal mass.

Morphine

A strong opioid agonist that binds to mu, kappa, and delta receptors; nursing priority is checking respirations before administration (hold if < 12).

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid antagonist used for the reversal of opioid effects; it has a short half-life of 5 minutes.

Sumatriptan

A serotonin ($5-HT_{1B/1D}$) agonist that causes vasoconstriction of cranial vessels to treat acute migraines.

Timolol

A beta-adrenergic blocker used in eye drops to decrease aqueous humor production and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma.

Latanoprost

A prostaglandin analog used for glaucoma that increases aqueous humor outflow; it can cause permanent brown discoloration of the iris.

Otic Drop Administration

Technique for ear drops: for adults, pull the ear up and back; for kids, pull the ear down and back.

Corticosteroids (Topical)

Anti-inflammatory agents like hydrocortisone that decrease the immune response; long-term use can cause skin thinning and stretch marks.