N3132 - Mental Health Pharmacology
1. Benzodiazepines: Depress the CNS by increasing the effects of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Therefore, we reduce anxiety (allosteric effect).
2. Benzodiazepines: At a higher dose, cause sedation. At a lower dose, reduce anxiety.
3. Diazepam (Valium): Benzodiazepine
4. Alprazolam (Xanax): Benzodiazepine
5. Lorazepam (Ativan): Benzodiazepine
6. Clonazepam (Klonopin): Benzodiazepine
7. Halazepam (Paxipam): Benzodiazepine
8. Side effects of benzodiazepines: -CNS depression (Sedation, light-headedness, ataxia, decreased cognitive function)
-Anterograde amnesia (difficulty recalling events after dosing)
-Acute toxicity
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
9. Contraindications for Benzodiazepines: Hypotension, decreased LOC, sleep apnea, COPD, re- nal/liver disease, SI
10. Patient teaching for benzodiazepines: -Avoid alcohol, OTC drugs, and herbal medications
-Avoid nicotine
-Avoid driving and hazardous activities
1
, -Rebound seizures if discontinued abruptly
-Take with food
-Drug often used illegally
- TAPER OFF, do not stop abruptly
11. SSRIs: Selectively block the reabsorption/reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which causes levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft to rise. This
increases serotonin availability levels in the brain. Leads to improved mood, decreased anxiety, increased nutrition, and improved sleep.
12. Fluoxetine (Prozac): SSRI
13. Paroxetine (Paxil): SSRI
14. Sertraline (Zoloft): SSRI
15. Escitalopram (Lexapro): SSRI
16. Citalopram (Celexa): SSRI
17. Contraindications of SSRIs: -Contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs or a TCA
-Avoid alcohol
-Use cautiously in patients with liver and renal dysfunction, seizure disorders, or a history of GI bleed.
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (bleeding risk)
- Digoxin
- Pregnancy
18. Side effects of SSRIs: -Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia) [>30%]
2
1. Benzodiazepines: Depress the CNS by increasing the effects of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Therefore, we reduce anxiety (allosteric effect).
2. Benzodiazepines: At a higher dose, cause sedation. At a lower dose, reduce anxiety.
3. Diazepam (Valium): Benzodiazepine
4. Alprazolam (Xanax): Benzodiazepine
5. Lorazepam (Ativan): Benzodiazepine
6. Clonazepam (Klonopin): Benzodiazepine
7. Halazepam (Paxipam): Benzodiazepine
8. Side effects of benzodiazepines: -CNS depression (Sedation, light-headedness, ataxia, decreased cognitive function)
-Anterograde amnesia (difficulty recalling events after dosing)
-Acute toxicity
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
9. Contraindications for Benzodiazepines: Hypotension, decreased LOC, sleep apnea, COPD, re- nal/liver disease, SI
10. Patient teaching for benzodiazepines: -Avoid alcohol, OTC drugs, and herbal medications
-Avoid nicotine
-Avoid driving and hazardous activities
1
, -Rebound seizures if discontinued abruptly
-Take with food
-Drug often used illegally
- TAPER OFF, do not stop abruptly
11. SSRIs: Selectively block the reabsorption/reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which causes levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft to rise. This
increases serotonin availability levels in the brain. Leads to improved mood, decreased anxiety, increased nutrition, and improved sleep.
12. Fluoxetine (Prozac): SSRI
13. Paroxetine (Paxil): SSRI
14. Sertraline (Zoloft): SSRI
15. Escitalopram (Lexapro): SSRI
16. Citalopram (Celexa): SSRI
17. Contraindications of SSRIs: -Contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs or a TCA
-Avoid alcohol
-Use cautiously in patients with liver and renal dysfunction, seizure disorders, or a history of GI bleed.
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (bleeding risk)
- Digoxin
- Pregnancy
18. Side effects of SSRIs: -Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia) [>30%]
2
