Maryville NURS 615 Pharm Exam 2
2025/2026 Latest Update
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic range due to what? -
Answer--Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good
compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? - Answer--Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine? - Answer--CBC every
3-4 months because it can cause decreased WBC, decreased platelets, and trouble
with RBC
What kind of teaching needs to be done with families of patients who have seizure
disorders? - Answer--Prevention is important, patient safety is important, Do NOT
abruptly stop taking medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause what? - Answer--Blood
dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance? -
Answer--Decreased sodium bicarb leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect? - Answer--Normal side
effect is weight loss, especially in higher dose patients
, A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor what? - Answer--Don't
get overheated. Topiramate may affect his ability to sweat in the heat.
What should a pregnant patient be told about taking Valproate (Depakote)? - Answer--It
is a known teratogen and category X medication. It should not be used in the first
trimester, it may be restarted in second trimester.
What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used cautiously in? -
Answer--Heart Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with this medication? -
Answer--He should not use serotonergic drugs like Imitrex. Also, this class of
medication interacts with yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce, etc.
Phenelzine (Nardil) may cause what if there is an interaction with known contraindicated
foods? - Answer--Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? - Answer--Anticholinergic type
effects like dry mouth, sedation, constipation, increased appetite, blurred vision, tinnitus,
euphoria, mania
How long does it take for SSRIs to take effect - Answer--2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? - Answer--Nausea, but this will
usually resolve in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? - Answer--Drink alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? - Answer--Wean slowly, do not stop
abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety respond well to? -
Answer--Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? - Answer--Buspar augments the SSRI
and is a good combo for anxiety and depression
2025/2026 Latest Update
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can sometimes show subtherapeutic range due to what? -
Answer--Carbamazepine auto-induces metabolism, leading to lower levels despite good
compliance
What are the black box warnings for Carbamazepine? - Answer--Dermatologic reactions
1. Steven's Johnson
2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis
What lab test should be ordered for patients on Carbamazepine? - Answer--CBC every
3-4 months because it can cause decreased WBC, decreased platelets, and trouble
with RBC
What kind of teaching needs to be done with families of patients who have seizure
disorders? - Answer--Prevention is important, patient safety is important, Do NOT
abruptly stop taking medication.
Ethosuximide (Zarontin), an anti-seizure medication can cause what? - Answer--Blood
dyscrasias
Patients taking Topiramate need to be monitored for what electrolyte imbalance? -
Answer--Decreased sodium bicarb leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
Topiramate treats seizures and what is one common side effect? - Answer--Normal side
effect is weight loss, especially in higher dose patients
, A child on Topiramate that wants to play sports should monitor what? - Answer--Don't
get overheated. Topiramate may affect his ability to sweat in the heat.
What should a pregnant patient be told about taking Valproate (Depakote)? - Answer--It
is a known teratogen and category X medication. It should not be used in the first
trimester, it may be restarted in second trimester.
What patient population should tricyclic antidepressants be used cautiously in? -
Answer--Heart Disease patients
Phenelzine (Nardil) is a MAOI. What teaching needs to be done with this medication? -
Answer--He should not use serotonergic drugs like Imitrex. Also, this class of
medication interacts with yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce, etc.
Phenelzine (Nardil) may cause what if there is an interaction with known contraindicated
foods? - Answer--Hypertensive crisis
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants? - Answer--Anticholinergic type
effects like dry mouth, sedation, constipation, increased appetite, blurred vision, tinnitus,
euphoria, mania
How long does it take for SSRIs to take effect - Answer--2-6 weeks
SSRIs may cause what onset of action symptoms? - Answer--Nausea, but this will
usually resolve in a week.
What is one thing you should not do with SSRIs? - Answer--Drink alcohol
What should happen when going off an SSRI? - Answer--Wean slowly, do not stop
abruptly
What medications would a patient with depression and anxiety respond well to? -
Answer--Buspar and an SSRI combined
Celexa (Citalopram)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Why should you combine an SSRI with Buspar? - Answer--Buspar augments the SSRI
and is a good combo for anxiety and depression
