Psychotropic Medications and Nursing Considerations

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and other psychotropic agents including their mechanisms, dosages, and nursing considerations.

Citalopram

An SSRI that boosts serotonin in the brain to treat depression and anxiety by blocking its reuptake.

Serotonin Syndrome

A serious adverse effect characterized by excess serotonin levels; requires nursing monitoring during SSRI, SNRI, or TCA therapy.

Venlafaxine

An SNRI used for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and social phobia by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Lorazepam

A benzodiazepine that enhances the calming effect of GABA in the brain to assist with anxiety, sedation, insomnia, and seizures.

GABA

The neurotransmitter whose calming effects are enhanced by Lorazepam to reduce anxiety and induce sedation.

Buspirone

An anxiolytic that works through serotonin and dopamine receptors without causing sedation or dependence, specifically indicated for GAD.

Buspirone Maximum Dosage

The daily oral administration limit which should not exceed $60\,mg/day$.

Hydroxyzine

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

Torsades de pointes

A serious cardiac adverse effect associated with Hydroxyzine, which also includes QT prolongation.

Propranolol

A medication that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors to reduce heart rate and physiological symptoms like tremors in situational or performance anxiety.

Mirtazapine

A medication that blocks alpha-2 receptors to boost serotonin and norepinephrine, often used for clients who are underweight or have insomnia.

Bupropion

An NDRI that increases dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking reuptake; used for MDD, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

Bupropion Contraindications

Specific conditions where the drug should not be used, including MAOI use, seizure disorder, bulimia, and anorexia.

Amitriptyline

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

Pregabalin

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

Anticholinergic effects

Side effects common to Amitriptyline, including dry mouth, constipation, urinary hesitancy, and blurred vision.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing that nurses must monitor for in patients taking Propranolol.

Propranolol Nursing Precaution

In patients with diabetes, this medication can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia.