Medication Review for Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to medication management for anxiety and mood disorders.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

A class of antidepressants that increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Older class of antidepressants that block neurotransmitter reuptake, mainly norepinephrine and serotonin.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, increasing neurotransmitter levels.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

An example of an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

An SSRI effective for anxiety and mood disorders.

Citalopram (Celexa)

An SSRI indicated for major depression.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

An SSRI used for anxiety and major depressive disorder.

Paroxetine (Paxil)

An SSRI used for major depression and anxiety disorders.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

An SSRI primarily used for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects

Potential side effects of SSRIs including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Discontinuation Syndrome

Symptoms that may occur when SSRIs are tapered too quickly.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin.

Black Box Warning

FDA warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young people taking antidepressants.

Escitalopram and Sertraline

SSRIs with significant efficacy for anxiety and OCD.

Hypertension (HTN)

Increased blood pressure, a possible side effect of SNRIs.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

An SNRI indicated for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

An SNRI used for major depressive disorder and pain conditions.

Tricyclic Antidepressants Mechanism

Block reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, affecting mood.

Anticholinergic Effects

Side effects from TCAs including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision.

Lithium

First-line treatment for Bipolar Disorder, influencing mood stabilization.

Therapeutic Range for Lithium

0.6 – 1.2 mEq/L generally considered safe and effective.

Lithium Toxicity Symptoms

Signs include nausea, fine tremor, and lethargy, requiring monitoring.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

An anticonvulsant effective for rapid cycling in Bipolar Disorder.

Valproate (Depakote)

An anticonvulsant first line for acute mania and preventing episodes.

Buspirone (BuSpar)

An anxiolytic that reduces anxiety without strong sedative effects.

Ativan and Xanax

Benzodiazepines used to treat acute anxiety and panic.

Anticonvulsants as Mood Stabilizers

Useful in bipolar disorders, particularly for managing mania.

GABA Receptors

Neurotransmitters targeted by benzodiazepines to exert calming effects.

Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor

Medications that specifically block norepinephrine reuptake.

Antidepressant Classes

Includes SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs.

Sedation from TCAs

Drowsiness and fatigue as common side effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants.

Serotonin-1A Agonist

Mechanism involved in Buspirone's action on anxiety.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

Lithium can cause disturbances leading to polydipsia and polyuria.

Hypothyroidism Risk with Lithium

Potential occurrence due to long-term lithium therapy.

Norepinephrine Effects of SNRIs

May help control neuropathic pain and mood disorders.

Tapering SSRIs Slowly

Necessary to avoid discontinuation syndrome.

Adverse Effects of SSRIs

Include sexual dysfunction, agitation, and sleep disturbances.

Cautions with MAOIs

Risky dietary restrictions due to hypertensive crisis potential.

Nursing Considerations with Antidepressants

Monitoring for suicidal ideation and educating patients.

Mechanism of Action of Lithium

Believed to stabilize neurotransmitter activity at the cell membrane.

Sodium and Potassium in Lithium Use

Vital in maintaining electrical stability and fluid balance.

Monitoring Liver Function

Important for patients on Valproate due to potential liver toxicity.

Medication interactions with MAOIs

Risk of toxicity with drugs affecting serotonin or norepinephrine.

Atypical Antipsychotics for Mood Disorders

Used for acute mania and bipolar depression, e.g. Quetiapine.

Drug-Drug Interactions of Carbamazepine

Requires careful monitoring due to numerous potential interactions.

Duration to Onset for Lithium

Typically within 10 to 21 days for effective mood stabilization.

Benzodiazepine Risks

Potential for addiction and rebound anxiety when discontinued.

GABA's Role in Anxiety

Calming neurotransmitter that is central to benzodiazepine function.

SSRI Efficacy in Anxiety Disorders

SSRIs effectively treat OCD, GAD, and other anxiety conditions.