Drugs Affecting the Nervous and MSK System

This info can be used for HSHS 3700 at Valdosta State! - Trevon : )

How do Stimulants affect the body?

Stimulate the CNS causing increased respirations, HR, and BP

What are some examples of Stimulants?

• Analeptics(caffeine)

• Amphetamines(Adderall)

• Anorexants(Adipex)

List some important info about Stimulants

• Non-ADHD Adverse: Dizziness, nervousness, NV

• ADHD Adverse: Causes increased focus, mental alertness, and reduce fatigue

• Precautions: patient can be at risk of physical dependence

How do Anticonvulsants work?

Used to reduce seizer activity or other hyperactive neurological disorders

List some info about Anticonvulsants

• Common meds: Topamax

• Adverse: rash

• Precautions: patients using other CNS depressants

What sub group of medication(s) is considered to be an Antianxiety/Anxiolytic drug?

Nonbenzodiazepines and Benzodiazepines

List some info about Nonbenzodiazepines

• Have less potential for substance abuse

• Common meds: Ambien(used for sleep disturbances), Vistaril, and Buspar

How do Benzodiazepines work?

• Used to treat anxiety

• Higher potential of substance abuse, cold turkey may cause withdrawals

List some info about Benzodiazepines

• Suffix -lam or -pam

• Common meds: Xanax, Ativan, Valium

• Adverse: Lethargy & fatigue

• Contraindications: Pregnant or acute alcohol intoxication

What are some withdrawal S/S of Anxiolytic drugs?

• Increased anxiety

• concentration difficulties

• tremors

• sweating

• convulsions

How long do General Symptoms of withdrawals last?

1-4 days

When do Acute Symptoms start to peak?

Around the 2 week mark

What are Miscellaneous Sedatives/Hypnotics used for?

Used to treat sleep disorders

List some info about Sedatives/Hypnotics

• Common Meds: Lunesta & Ambien

• Adverse: drowsiness

• Ambien has been known to cause activities while sleep

List some info about Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Common meds: Elavil

What does SSRI stand for?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

List some info about SSRI’s

• Common meds: Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft

• Adverse: NV, insomnia, sweating, weight loss, suicide ideations in younger patients

How do Antipsychotics work?

Used to manage acute psychoses

List some info about Antipsychotics

• Common meds: Haldol, Lithobid, Seroquel

• Adverse: Sedation, dry mouth, photophobia

What are some Extrapyramidal effects of Antipsychotics?

• Spasms of tongue, neck, face, and back

• Tremors, shuffling gait, drooling, instability

• Compulsive, repetitive motions, agitation

• Lip smacking or fly catching

What are some examples of MSK drugs?

Bisphosphonates, Muscle relaxers, and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

List some info about Bisphosphonates

• Treats osteoporosis

• Common meds: Fosamax(take on empty stomach)

• Adverse: Muscle spasms

List some info about Muscle Relaxers

• Treats muscle spasms

• Common meds: Flexeril and Soma

• Adverse: Drowsiness & dry mouth

• Precautions: Impaired hepatic functions, CNS depressants, alcohol

List some info about Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

• Treats gout

• Common meds: Zylprim

• Adverse: GI disfunction

• Often NSAID called Colcrys is used to treat inflammation with gout

List some info about an EEG Test

• ElectroEncephaloGraphy

• Measure and record electrical impulse from brain(monitors epilepsy/seizures)

• Pretest: Wash hair, may eat but no caffeine for 12 hours prior

List some info about EMG testing

• Electromyography

• Takes electrical pic or muscle activity

• 1st test looks at nerve conduction & 2nd test uses needle-like electrode into muscle

• Pretest: sedation may be used

List some info about an X-ray

• Lowest cost bone diagnostic test

• Used to examine bone, dense structures appear white

• Precaution: kidney function impairment

What is an Arthrogram? This can also be used during an X-ray…

Bone scan that uses contrast given through IV, collects around hotspots where bone deformities lie

List some info about CT Scans

• Computerized Tomography

• Gold standard of testing bone integrity

• Takes pictures of bone and soft tissue slices, uses gray shades

• PATIENT MUST BE STILL!

List some info about MRI testing

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Used to differentiate soft tissue injury, provides sliced images of joint

• Precautions: Patient CANNOT have internal or external metal, and claustrophobia

• PATIENT MUST BE STILL!