Treatment of Depressive, Bipolar, and Seizure Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering the pharmaceutical treatment and monitoring phases of depressive, bipolar, and seizure disorders.

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithane)

A mood stabilizing agent used during the manic phase to treat paranoid or grandiose delusions.

Acute Phase (Treatment)

The first phase of treatment before full functioning is restored, involving symptom monitoring, dose adjustments, and the initiation of psychotherapy.

Continuation Phase

A stage lasting 4-9 months where pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are used to consolidate the initial response into complete recovery (defined as being symptom-free for 6 months).

Maintenance Phase

A treatment phase recommended for individuals with a history of 3+ depressive episodes, chronic depression, or bipolar disorder with the goal of preventing recurrence.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, classified as 2nd generation antidepressants.

SNRIs

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, classified as 2nd generation antidepressants.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, classified as 1st generation antidepressants.

TCAs

Tricyclic antidepressants, classified as 1st generation antidepressants.

Esketamine

An N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) antagonist used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant for treatment-resistant MDD, only available through a restricted program.

Buspirone (Buspar)

A partial serotonin and dopamine agonist member of the Azaspirones class used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Fluvoxamine (LUNOx)

A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor used for short treatment of OCRDS when obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress.

Hydroxyzine (vistoril, Atarax)

An antihistamine used as a mild tranquilizer for anxiety, tension, and agitation; it also provides sedation and controls itching in allergic reactions.

Major Depressive Disorders

A condition characterized by one or more episodes of depression.

Dysthymia

Chronic, ongoing depression.

Acute Mania

A phase where symptoms begin abruptly and escalate, including euphoria, fast speech, increased physical/mental activities, decreased need for sleep, and irritability.

Bipolar Disorders

A disorder involving episodes of mania (euphoria) and depression, separated by intervals without mood disturbances.

Voltage-gated sodium channels

The ion channel mechanism for antiepileptic drugs including Phenytoin, fosphenytoin, Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine, lamotrigine, cenobamate, and topiramate.

Voltage-gated calcium channels

The ion channel mechanism for antiepileptic drugs including Ethosuximide, levetriacetam, pregabalin, topiramate, and Zonisamide.

Voltage-gated $K^+$ Channels

The specific ion channel targeted by the drug Levetiracetum.

$GABA_A$ Receptor

The target site for benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam) and phenobarbital to inhibit seizure activity.

SV2A

The specific target site for the antiepileptic drugs Levetiracetam and brivaracetam.

Gingival hyperplasia

A condition of gum overgrowth that patients on antiepileptic therapy must avoid through daily oral hygiene and regular dentist visits.