Medication Overview

Lithium

  • Importance
    • Know the normal levels of lithium and the appropriate administration guidelines.
    • There will be several questions related to lithium on the test.
  • Usage
    • It is critical to understand when to administer and when to hold lithium treatment.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Definition
    • Alprazolam is commonly known by the brand name Xanax.
  • Key Points to Know
    • Be familiar with the side effects and medical uses of alprazolam.

Fluoxetine

  • General Information
    • Know the uses and safety concerns regarding fluoxetine.
  • Adverse Reactions
    • Be prepared to report any adverse reactions associated with fluoxetine.

Disulfiram (trade name: Antabuse)

  • Spelling
    • Disulfiram is spelled d-i-s-u-l-f-i-r-a-m.
  • Administration
    • This medication should be administered at bedtime to avoid drowsiness and also aids in treating insomnia.

Benzodiazepines

  • General Consideration
    • Understand the specifics of administering benzodiazepines at nighttime to prevent potential drowsiness in patients.
  • Xanax Reminder
    • Be aware that while Xanax is one of the benzodiazepines, the study may also cover others like diazepam.

Benztropine

  • Medication Type
    • Benztropine is utilized primarily for treating Parkinson's Disease.
  • Notes on Administration
    • Patients may experience nausea but can take it on an empty stomach.
  • Dietary Recommendations
    • Do not take medication with milk; alternatives are recommended (consider lactose intolerance); avoid grapefruit.

Buspirone

  • Spelling
    • Buspirone is spelled b-u-s-p-i-r-o-n-e.
  • Adverse Reactions
    • Be mindful of the common adverse reactions associated with buspirone medication.
  • Dosage Calculation Importance
    • Understand the fundamental principles of dosage calculations; they should be straightforward if studied correctly.
  • Test Format
    • Expect potentially straightforward questions rather than overly complex scenarios.

Olanzapine

  • Definition
    • Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication treated for schizophrenia.
  • Adverse Effects
    • Monitor for weight fluctuations (gain or loss) and signs of toxicity; focus on weight as a significant indicator.

Lorazepam

  • Key Information
    • Comprehensive knowledge regarding the use, effects, and aspects related to lorazepam is essential.

MAO Inhibitors & Dietary Considerations

  • Tyramine Content
    • Foods high in tyramine must be considered for patients on MAO inhibitors.
  • Examples of Tyramine-rich Foods
    • Aged cheeses, fermented products, and specific fruits like avocados.

Chlorpromazine

  • Spelling
    • Chlorpromazine is spelled c-h-l-o-r-p-r-o-m-a-z-i-n-e.
  • General Knowledge
    • Understand this medication's uses and interactions.

Clozapine

  • Spelling
    • Clozapine is spelled c-l-o-z-a-p-i-n-e.
  • Significance
    • Familiarize yourself with its uses and effects as covered in the study guide.

Amitriptyline

  • Purpose
    • Generally prescribed for depression.
  • Knowledge Requirement
    • Be aware of both therapeutic effects and potential adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
  • Explanation
    • Understand what extrapyramidal symptoms are and when they may arise.

Opioid Teaching and PCA

  • Patient Education
    • Know what to communicate to patients regarding opioids and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
  • PCA Overview
    • Clarify what PCA entails and its purpose in patient care.

Diphenhydramine

  • Medication Type
    • Anticholinergic medication used for various conditions.
  • Adverse Reactions
    • Notable effects include drowsiness as a potential side effect; patients may also experience sedation.
  • Spelling
    • Diphenhydramine is spelled d-i-p-h-e-n-h-y-d-r-a-m-i-n-e.

Zolpidem

  • Common Name
    • Marketed as Ambien; primarily used for sleep disorders.
  • Purpose
    • Ensure familiarity with uses and side effects related to zolpidem.