Psychotropic Medications Practice Flashcards

This flashcard set covers the mechanism of action, indications, side effects, contraindications, and nursing considerations for psychotropic drug classes including Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs.

GABA

A neurotransmitter referred to as "Gabby" in the lecture that promotes calmness and relaxation by slowing down anxiety.

Benzodiazepines (Benzos)

A class of sedatives described as "low and slow" that increase GABA to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, panic disorder, and acute alcohol withdrawal.

Flumazenil

The antidote used for benzodiazepine overdose.

Benzodiazepine Adverse Effects

Includes sedation, amnesia, respiratory depression, and the potential for dependency and tolerance; these drugs are intended for short-term use only.

Benzodiazepine Contraindications

Includes respiratory infection, sleep apnea, hepatic failure, pregnancy, and acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Grapefruit Juice Interaction

A dietary contraindication for benzodiazepines like diazepam because it increases drug levels and the risk of toxicity.

Zolpidem

A non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic used for short-term sleep; it must be taken immediately before bed with at least $7-8\text{ hours}$ of sleep available.

Ramelteon

A melatonin agonist that mimics the body's natural melatonin to treat insomnia; it should be taken within a $30\text{-minute}$ window before bedtime.

Ramelteon Dietary Teaching

Avoid high-fat meals (such as "ham") as they delay the absorption of the medication.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

An SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia, and PMDD by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin.

Serotonin Syndrome (FAST)

A potentially life-threatening condition marked by Fever (hyperthermia), Agitation (anxiety/confusion), Sweating (diaphoresis), and Tremors (shivering/hyperreflexia).

SSRI Black Box Warning

A warning regarding increased energy to act on suicidal ideations, particularly when first starting antidepressant therapy.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood and focus in major depressive disorder and panic disorder.

Duloxetine

An SNRI used for chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and improving sleep by strengthening mood and alertness.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

An atypical antidepressant used for depression and smoking cessation; it can cause extreme thirst and lowers the appetite.

Bupropion Contraindications

Should not be used in patients with seizure disorders (as it lowers the seizure threshold), anorexia nervosa, or bulimia.

Amitriptyline

A TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressant) used for depression, chronic nerve pain, and migraines; associated with the mnemonic that "Amy" can't see, spit, pee, or poop.

Anticholinergic Effects

A group of side effects seen with TCAs including blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.

Amitriptyline Cardiac Warning

Requires monitoring of the heart due to the risk of a prolonged $QT$ interval.

Two-Week Flush

The required washout period to detox from SSRIs (or $5\text{ weeks}$ for fluoxetine) before starting a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) due to the long half-life of these drugs.