NCLEX Medication Review – Analgesics, Anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants & Anxiolytics

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key NCLEX medications: opioids, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs, including brand/generic names, classifications, and notable nursing considerations.

Demerol (Meperidine HCl)

Opioid analgesic that raises the pain threshold by altering pain perception.

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)

Potent opioid analgesic used for moderate-to-severe pain; alters pain perception.

Duragesic / Sublimaze (Fentanyl)

Strong opioid available as transdermal patches or IV; increases pain threshold.

Morphine Sulfate

Prototype opioid analgesic used for severe pain; alters pain perception.

Vicodin / Norco (Hydrocodone)

Combination opioid (often with acetaminophen) for moderate pain.

Dilantin (Phenytoin)

Anticonvulsant; requires blood-level monitoring to prevent toxicity.

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Anticonvulsant also prescribed for chronic neuropathic pain.

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Anticonvulsant; blood levels must be monitored for therapeutic range.

Depakote (Valproic Acid)

Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant; monitor serum levels.

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Short-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety disorders.

Valium (Diazepam)

Long-acting benzodiazepine for anxiety, muscle spasm, and seizures.

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine; treats anxiety and status epilepticus.

Versed (Midazolam)

Short-acting benzodiazepine used for procedural sedation.

Buspar (Buspirone HCl)

Azaspirodecanedione anxiolytic; decreases anxiety without significant sedation (mechanism unclear, thought to affect serotonin).

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Tricyclic antidepressant that decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine.

Celexa (Citalopram)

SSRI antidepressant that inhibits serotonin reuptake in the CNS.

Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate)

SSRI that blocks serotonin reuptake to treat depression and anxiety.

Paxil (Paroxetine)

SSRI used for depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

First widely used SSRI; treats depression, OCD, and panic disorder.

Zoloft (Sertraline)

SSRI for depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

SNRI; blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve endings.