Psychotropic Medications and Nursing Considerations

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the mechanisms, indications, side effects, and nursing considerations for major psychotropic medication classes described in the lecture notes.

Citalopram

An SSRI that works by boosting serotonin in the brain to help with depression and anxiety; administered PO once daily.

SSRI Mechanism of Action

Blocks serotonin reuptake, increasing levels of serotonin in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Serotonin Syndrome

A serious adverse effect characterized by excess serotonin; nurses must monitor for this when clients take SSRIs, SNRIs, or mirtazapine.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) indicated for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and social phobia.

Lorazepam

A benzodiazepine that enhances the calming effect of GABA in the brain to reduce anxiety and induce sedation.

Lorazepam Adverse Effects

Includes respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, dependency, and seizures.

Buspirone

An anxiolytic that works mainly through serotonin receptors with some dopamine action; it does not cause sedation or dependence.

Buspirone Maximum Dosage

A daily oral administration limit of $60\,mg/day$.

Hydroxyzine

An antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to calm the CNS; used for acute anxiety and as an adjunct for insomnia.

Hydroxyzine Adverse Effects

Includes QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, hallucinations, seizures, and respiratory depression.

Propranolol

A drug that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce heart rate and physiological anxiety symptoms like tremors and palpitations.

Propranolol Diabetes Precaution

Requires close blood sugar monitoring because the medication can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Mirtazapine

A medication that boosts serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking alpha-2 receptors; used for MDD, GAD, insomnia, and underweight clients.

Bupropion

An NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor) used for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

Bupropion Contraindications

Usage with MAOIs, existing seizure disorders, bulimia, or anorexia.

Amitriptyline

A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that increases serotonin and norepinephrine; carries high toxicity risk in overdose situations.

Amitriptyline Adverse Effects

Includes severe anticholinergic effects, dysrhythmias, blood issues, and suicidal thoughts.

Pregabalin

A medication that binds to calcium channels in the CNS to regulate neurotransmitter release, used for neuropathic pain and anxiety.

Pregabalin Nursing Assessment

Monitor the client for suicidal thoughts and renal function.

Benzodiazepine Indications

Acute anxiety, preoperative sedation, alcohol withdrawal, and seizure disorders.