Wave those magic wands, UTA instructors!
Valium (diazepam) is a benzo indicated for treatment of GAD, PD, and SAD. It can also be used for acute management of violent behaviors because of its rapid sedating and calming effect.
Side effects are the same as that of other benzos. Patient teaching is key!
Valium can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal, though it is not recommended due to the high frequency of doses.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Ativan
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine approved for treatment of GAD. It is also used for PD, SAD, and GAD. Agoraphobia is one specific example of something Ativan can help treat.
Like Xanax, Ativan typically is not sleep-producing when given in lower doses. Remember the important patient teaching that goes along with benzos!!
Like Xanax, Ativan typically is not sleep-producing when given in lower doses. Remember the important patient teaching that goes along with benzos!!
Xanax
I need some of this today.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used for short term treatment of anxiety. It is mainly used for GAD, PD, and SAD. Xanax is NOT indicated for primary treatment of PTSD or OCD.
One cool thing about Xanax is that it can treat anxiety without the sedative effect some other anti-anxiety medications have. Now, Xanax IS a benzo, so lots of patient teaching comes with it! remind the patient to use birth control, to avoid alcohol, and to decrease caffeine intake. Remind them that tolerance and dependence may occur, and that withdrawal may occur if they stop taking Xanax after daily use for several months.
**Tolerance and dependency can occur.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used for short term treatment of anxiety. It is mainly used for GAD, PD, and SAD. Xanax is NOT indicated for primary treatment of PTSD or OCD.
One cool thing about Xanax is that it can treat anxiety without the sedative effect some other anti-anxiety medications have. Now, Xanax IS a benzo, so lots of patient teaching comes with it! remind the patient to use birth control, to avoid alcohol, and to decrease caffeine intake. Remind them that tolerance and dependence may occur, and that withdrawal may occur if they stop taking Xanax after daily use for several months.
**Tolerance and dependency can occur.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
3rd Drug Class- Benzodiazepines
Benzopiazepines serve three main therapeutic purposes: 1) anxiety 2) insomnia 3) seizure disorders. Benzos can also be used for alcohol withdrawal, but those are their 3 main uses. They work by potentiating (increasing, enhancing) the action of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that helps control anxiety, aggression, and excitation.
Benzos can cause depression, dependency, or tolerance, so the are only indicated for short term use. There are long acting and short acting benzos, so I'll make sure I mention that for each specific drug. They are CNS depressants, so side effects include drowsiness, sedation, and cognitive impairment. Make sure you remind your patient taking a benzo to avoid consuming alcohol! Birth control should be used if the woman is of childbearing age, because benzos can cause birth defects.
Benzodiazepines include:
Xanax
Ativan
Valium
Serax
Librium
Tranxene
Benzos can cause depression, dependency, or tolerance, so the are only indicated for short term use. There are long acting and short acting benzos, so I'll make sure I mention that for each specific drug. They are CNS depressants, so side effects include drowsiness, sedation, and cognitive impairment. Make sure you remind your patient taking a benzo to avoid consuming alcohol! Birth control should be used if the woman is of childbearing age, because benzos can cause birth defects.
Benzodiazepines include:
Xanax
Ativan
Valium
Serax
Librium
Tranxene
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Quick Atypical Antidepressant Overview
Here's a quick overview:
Pristiq: for depression. Very similar to Effexor.
Cymbalta: for anxiety and depression. Mild side effects. Can treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Effexor: good for treatment-resistant depression. Monitor blood pressure.
Remeron: antianxiety and antidepressive. Faster than SSRIs. Weight gain is common.
Desyrel: antidepressive effects only in high dose. Sedating! Commonly used in combination with others for sleep.
Wellbutrin: antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. Sexual dysfunction and weight gain are NOT side effects. Monitor does! Medication-induced seizures possible.
Typically take 1-4 weeks to work.
Pristiq: for depression. Very similar to Effexor.
Cymbalta: for anxiety and depression. Mild side effects. Can treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Effexor: good for treatment-resistant depression. Monitor blood pressure.
Remeron: antianxiety and antidepressive. Faster than SSRIs. Weight gain is common.
Desyrel: antidepressive effects only in high dose. Sedating! Commonly used in combination with others for sleep.
Wellbutrin: antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. Sexual dysfunction and weight gain are NOT side effects. Monitor does! Medication-induced seizures possible.
Typically take 1-4 weeks to work.
11.6.10 - Pristiq
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is not in our textbooks. I looked it up on the FDA website instead :) It is an SNRI used to treat depression. It is very similar to Effexor.
Headache, N/V/D, drowsiness, and increased suicidal ideation, are common side effects. Do not take Pristiq if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon, and do not drink alcohol while taking Pristiq. Like always, do not take with an MAOI!
Headache, N/V/D, drowsiness, and increased suicidal ideation, are common side effects. Do not take Pristiq if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon, and do not drink alcohol while taking Pristiq. Like always, do not take with an MAOI!
11.5.10 - Remeron
Remeron (Mirtazapine) is a SNDI, a serotonin norepinephrine disinhibitor. It blocks the receptors that normally inhibit norepinephrine and serotonin. This is an interesting one to me! It is the only drug in this specific class. It has both antianxiety and antidepressive effects, and its antidepressive effects may actually occur faster than SSRIs. Remeron is also an antidote to sexual dysfunction secondary to use of SSRIs.
Side effects include sedation that is increased by use of alcohol, benzos, and other CNS depressants. *Teach your patients about this! Do not use with MAOIs either. Major thing to note: typical increase in appetite, weight gain, and cholesterol with the use of Remeron.
Side effects include sedation that is increased by use of alcohol, benzos, and other CNS depressants. *Teach your patients about this! Do not use with MAOIs either. Major thing to note: typical increase in appetite, weight gain, and cholesterol with the use of Remeron.
11.4.10 - Cymbalta
Sorry, I have some catching up to do. Busy week.
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is another atypical antidepressant. This is also an SNRI, like Effexor, so it blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. It is labeled for treatment of both depressive and anxiety (PD, GAD, OCD and PTSD) disorders.
Cymblata is similar to Effexor. Side effects are generally mild, and include decreased appetite, increased sweating, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Wear sunscreen...photosensitivity is a side effect.
**One unlabeled use of Cymbalta is for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It decreases neuropathic pain. Cool!
Take Cymbalta twice a day, swallowing it whole. It usually takes 1-4 weeks to work :)
Cymbalta (duloxetine) is another atypical antidepressant. This is also an SNRI, like Effexor, so it blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. It is labeled for treatment of both depressive and anxiety (PD, GAD, OCD and PTSD) disorders.
Cymblata is similar to Effexor. Side effects are generally mild, and include decreased appetite, increased sweating, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Wear sunscreen...photosensitivity is a side effect.
**One unlabeled use of Cymbalta is for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It decreases neuropathic pain. Cool!
Take Cymbalta twice a day, swallowing it whole. It usually takes 1-4 weeks to work :)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
11.3.10 - Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an atypical antidepressant that is useful for treatment-resistant chronic depression. Basically, nothing else has worked so far(especially SSRIs), so we're giving Effexor a shot. It is an SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor).
Side effects include hypertension, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, agitation, headache, and sexual dysfunction. ***Monitor blood pressure at higher doses with patient with a history of hypertension. Rapid discontinuation can cause withdrawal!
Side effects include hypertension, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, agitation, headache, and sexual dysfunction. ***Monitor blood pressure at higher doses with patient with a history of hypertension. Rapid discontinuation can cause withdrawal!
11.2.10 - Desyrel
Sorry... Yesterday's post is going up today.
Desyrel (Trazadone) - not much information on this drug. It is labeled as an atypical antidepressant, but I can't find very much information on how it works. Also, the textbook says that Desyrel is not a first choice for antidepressant treatment, and that high doses are required to see therapeutic antidepressant effects.
Basically know this: Deseryl has a sedative side effect. It is commonly used in combination with other drugs to help with insomnia.
Desyrel does not have anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention, etc). Weight gain can be a side effect, as well as postural hypotension. One rare but interesting side effect is called priapism... which is a prolonged painful penile erection that may warrant surgery. Ouch!
*Discontinue MAOIs at least 14 days prior to using Desyrel.
Desyrel (Trazadone) - not much information on this drug. It is labeled as an atypical antidepressant, but I can't find very much information on how it works. Also, the textbook says that Desyrel is not a first choice for antidepressant treatment, and that high doses are required to see therapeutic antidepressant effects.
Basically know this: Deseryl has a sedative side effect. It is commonly used in combination with other drugs to help with insomnia.
Desyrel does not have anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention, etc). Weight gain can be a side effect, as well as postural hypotension. One rare but interesting side effect is called priapism... which is a prolonged painful penile erection that may warrant surgery. Ouch!
*Discontinue MAOIs at least 14 days prior to using Desyrel.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Drug for 11.01.10 - Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a novel, atypical antidepressant, and is a NDRI (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor). It works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement and posture, regulate memory, and helps drive sexual and reward-seeking behavior. Norepinephrine deals with attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning. That's all just fyi, but you can see why decreased levels of these two neurotransmitters would have effects noted in depression.
Some major advantages to Wellbutrin are that #1, sexual dysfunction is rare when using this drug! Also, very important #2, weight gain is NOT a side effect of this drug. Both are good things :)
Side effects of Welbutrin include agitation, insomnia, headache, nausea and vomiting. The usual dose is 50-300mg/day, and a major side effect in overdose is medication induced seizures. If the patient is already a high seizure risk, watch them very carefully! And last but not least, MAOIs should not be taken while taking Wellbutrin.
**Importnat to note: Wellbutrin can be used as smoking cessation aid.**
Some major advantages to Wellbutrin are that #1, sexual dysfunction is rare when using this drug! Also, very important #2, weight gain is NOT a side effect of this drug. Both are good things :)
Side effects of Welbutrin include agitation, insomnia, headache, nausea and vomiting. The usual dose is 50-300mg/day, and a major side effect in overdose is medication induced seizures. If the patient is already a high seizure risk, watch them very carefully! And last but not least, MAOIs should not be taken while taking Wellbutrin.
**Importnat to note: Wellbutrin can be used as smoking cessation aid.**
2nd Drug Class- Atypical Antidepressants
Ok so I took Halloween off. Hope you enjoyed the holiday!
Atypical Antidepressants are up next. This information seems somewhat scattered and incomplete in the book, so I will do my best to write what I know and can find. Please correct my mistakes!
Just like the name suggests, these medications are used to treat depression. They work in a similar way to SSRIs... they inhibit the reuptake of either serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or a combination of these neurotransmitters. When I go over each drug, I'll go into more detail!
What about side effects? Good question. There are specific side effects for each drug, and they generally include insomnia (fairly common), nausea, dry mouth, decreased libido, sweating, agitation, urinary retention, and dizziness. Again, I'll go over specifics when discussing each drug.
Table 21-3 in your Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Planning book has an excellent overview of these drugs.
Atypical Antidepressants are up next. This information seems somewhat scattered and incomplete in the book, so I will do my best to write what I know and can find. Please correct my mistakes!
Just like the name suggests, these medications are used to treat depression. They work in a similar way to SSRIs... they inhibit the reuptake of either serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or a combination of these neurotransmitters. When I go over each drug, I'll go into more detail!
What about side effects? Good question. There are specific side effects for each drug, and they generally include insomnia (fairly common), nausea, dry mouth, decreased libido, sweating, agitation, urinary retention, and dizziness. Again, I'll go over specifics when discussing each drug.
Table 21-3 in your Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Planning book has an excellent overview of these drugs.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Quick SSRI overview
Just for a quick reference:
Zoloft: excellent for anxiety treatment
Luvox: nothing spectacular. Good for OCD and SAD treatment.
Paxil: excellent for anxiety treatment. Weight gain is common.
Lexapro: GAD treatment. watch for initial anxiety.
Celexa: depression treatment. watch for initial anxiety.
Prozac: depression, OCD, anxiety, and eating disorder treatment. Very energizing.
GI side effects are the most common complaint. Watch for Serotonin Syndrome.
Zoloft: excellent for anxiety treatment
Luvox: nothing spectacular. Good for OCD and SAD treatment.
Paxil: excellent for anxiety treatment. Weight gain is common.
Lexapro: GAD treatment. watch for initial anxiety.
Celexa: depression treatment. watch for initial anxiety.
Prozac: depression, OCD, anxiety, and eating disorder treatment. Very energizing.
GI side effects are the most common complaint. Watch for Serotonin Syndrome.
Drug(s) for 10.30.10 - Zoloft and Luvox
Two drugs again today. We're pretty familiar with SSRIs by now, so let's finish this drug class and tomorrow we'll start something new. Any preferences? I'm thinking Atypical Antidepressants will be next...
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a SSRI labeled for use in PD, SAD, OCD, and PTSD. Off-label use is GAD, so basically, it's used for the same thing all SSRIs are used for. Definitely a pattern here.
Side effects of Zoloft are the same as all SSRIs, but GI upsets occur more frequently in patients who take this medication. Good news: Zoloft does not typically increase anxiety. Remember that some SSRIs have that affect? Zoloft is very effective for treating anxiety.
Luvox (Fluvoxamine Maleate) is our last SSRI! Again, same action as all other SSRIs (increases level of available serotonin) and same general side effects. Nothing too spectacular about this drug. It's primary purpose is treatment of OCD and SAD. but off-label uses are for treatment of GAD, PD, and PTSD. Just make sure you educate your patient, like always. Let them know the s&s of serotonin syndrome, and about all the other possible side effects.
THAT'S IT! SSRIs are done! If you've been following this daily, now would be a great time to review all the SSRIs. NOTE: I just went back and made a few adjustments on several side effects of this class. See if you can spot them. Nothing major, just a few additions.
Happy studying, and let's go Rangers!
SSRIs include Luvox, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Write them down. Remember them!
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a SSRI labeled for use in PD, SAD, OCD, and PTSD. Off-label use is GAD, so basically, it's used for the same thing all SSRIs are used for. Definitely a pattern here.
Side effects of Zoloft are the same as all SSRIs, but GI upsets occur more frequently in patients who take this medication. Good news: Zoloft does not typically increase anxiety. Remember that some SSRIs have that affect? Zoloft is very effective for treating anxiety.
Luvox (Fluvoxamine Maleate) is our last SSRI! Again, same action as all other SSRIs (increases level of available serotonin) and same general side effects. Nothing too spectacular about this drug. It's primary purpose is treatment of OCD and SAD. but off-label uses are for treatment of GAD, PD, and PTSD. Just make sure you educate your patient, like always. Let them know the s&s of serotonin syndrome, and about all the other possible side effects.
THAT'S IT! SSRIs are done! If you've been following this daily, now would be a great time to review all the SSRIs. NOTE: I just went back and made a few adjustments on several side effects of this class. See if you can spot them. Nothing major, just a few additions.
Happy studying, and let's go Rangers!
SSRIs include Luvox, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Write them down. Remember them!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Drug for 10.29.10 - Paxil
Paxil (Paroxetine) is today's drug! Keeping with the theme, yes, it is an SSRI. We already know that SSRIs are the drug of choice to treat depression, so Paxil can definitely be used in MDD and other depressive disorders. Remember that SSRIs can also treat anxiety? This is a good example! Paxil is used to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Side effects? We know these now. GI stuff, nausea, anorexia, sweating, headaches, poor concentration.... BTW, I forgot this! A side effect of ALL SSRIs is a significant decrease in libido. That's important patient teaching stuff. We know to watch for Serotonin Syndrome as well. That's an emergency!
Now, it seems like there every source I use gives slightly conflicting information on when to take each drug and such, possible because each patient will react a little different so there is no solid answer. But from what I've seen, it is said that Paxil should be taken in the morning. However, one source said it is very sedating, so I'd think you'd give it at night... I'll try to find out for sure.
Also, Paxil is definitely one of those SSRIs where weight gain is a common side effect. Encourage exercise and proper diet. :) This medication also interacts with many other medications; make sure you remind the patient taking Paxil to ask their doctor before they take ANY additional medications.
Hey! Paxil has 5 letters...it treats 5 anxiety disorders. Maybe that will help me remember it....?
Side effects? We know these now. GI stuff, nausea, anorexia, sweating, headaches, poor concentration.... BTW, I forgot this! A side effect of ALL SSRIs is a significant decrease in libido. That's important patient teaching stuff. We know to watch for Serotonin Syndrome as well. That's an emergency!
Now, it seems like there every source I use gives slightly conflicting information on when to take each drug and such, possible because each patient will react a little different so there is no solid answer. But from what I've seen, it is said that Paxil should be taken in the morning. However, one source said it is very sedating, so I'd think you'd give it at night... I'll try to find out for sure.
Also, Paxil is definitely one of those SSRIs where weight gain is a common side effect. Encourage exercise and proper diet. :) This medication also interacts with many other medications; make sure you remind the patient taking Paxil to ask their doctor before they take ANY additional medications.
Hey! Paxil has 5 letters...it treats 5 anxiety disorders. Maybe that will help me remember it....?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Drug(s) for 10.28.10 - Lexapro and Celexa
Lexapro (escitalopram) and Celexa (citalopram) sound so alike. I know I will confuse them! Let's talk out the similarities and differences:
BOTH are SSRIs. Yeah, I am focusing on those this week! Remember how those work? They increase available levels of serotonin. That means Lexapro and Celexa are used to treat depression.
What else can SSRIs be used for? Anxiety disorders like GAD, PTSD, SAD, and for panic disorder.
Here's the difference:
Celexa is labeled for use in depression.
Lexapro's primary use is for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
That's the main difference!! SO SIMPLE. They both have "off-label use" for PD, OCD, PTSD, and SAD.
Don't forget their side effects. We should really be learning this by now. SSRIs have a fairly rapid onset, and have side effects like agitation, insomnia, n/v, headache, and GI stuff. As always, don't give these with MAOIs and don't abruptly stop them. Withdrawal can occur. Encourage water intake throughout the day to avoid dry mouth, etc. Oh and remember...they take 1-4 weeks to truly have an effect. (and....SSRI patients always should be assessed for Serotonin Syndrome. That = emergency!!! and includes severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, sweating, fever, elevated HR and BP, delerium, muscle spasms... even death. Oh dear.) Lexapro and Celexa have minimal interactions with other drugs. MAOIs are their major contraindication. Just remind the patient it is always a good idea to talk to their doctor before beginning any other medication.
**One interesting side effect is the possibility of initial anxiety. Inform the patient of this side effect, and encourage them to let the nurse or doctor know if the anxiety does not subside.
GO RANGERS!
BOTH are SSRIs. Yeah, I am focusing on those this week! Remember how those work? They increase available levels of serotonin. That means Lexapro and Celexa are used to treat depression.
What else can SSRIs be used for? Anxiety disorders like GAD, PTSD, SAD, and for panic disorder.
Here's the difference:
Celexa is labeled for use in depression.
Lexapro's primary use is for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
That's the main difference!! SO SIMPLE. They both have "off-label use" for PD, OCD, PTSD, and SAD.
Don't forget their side effects. We should really be learning this by now. SSRIs have a fairly rapid onset, and have side effects like agitation, insomnia, n/v, headache, and GI stuff. As always, don't give these with MAOIs and don't abruptly stop them. Withdrawal can occur. Encourage water intake throughout the day to avoid dry mouth, etc. Oh and remember...they take 1-4 weeks to truly have an effect. (and....SSRI patients always should be assessed for Serotonin Syndrome. That = emergency!!! and includes severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, sweating, fever, elevated HR and BP, delerium, muscle spasms... even death. Oh dear.) Lexapro and Celexa have minimal interactions with other drugs. MAOIs are their major contraindication. Just remind the patient it is always a good idea to talk to their doctor before beginning any other medication.
**One interesting side effect is the possibility of initial anxiety. Inform the patient of this side effect, and encourage them to let the nurse or doctor know if the anxiety does not subside.
GO RANGERS!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Drug for 10.27.10 - Prozac
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI, and is used to treat depression, OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety. SE are the same as that of other SSRIs (GI effects, fatigue...). With Prozac, the potential for seizures increases. If your patient is bulimic, monitor for binge eating and vomiting. Prozac can also increase your patient's anxiety...even though it can treat anxiety in a different patient. DON'T FORGET: it take 1-4 weeks to really work!
Interesting... It typically has a more activating, energizing effect than a sedating effect.
Post any additional info/corrections if you want!
Interesting... It typically has a more activating, energizing effect than a sedating effect.
Post any additional info/corrections if you want!
Week 1 Drug CLASS - SSRIs
I'll start off with SSRIs, aka Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They can be used for a variety of psych/mh needs. They are the first line drug for treating DEPRESSION (i.e. MDD, depression in bipolar) and can be used to treat anxiety, PTSD, and acute stress disorder.
SSRIs will take 1-4 weeks of daily usage to notice a real change in mood.
How do they work? They inhibit the reuptake of serotonin! Basically, they do not allow the reabsorbtion of serotonin to occur, so more serotonin is available and can be utilized. Hmmm...let's think: serotonin is the neurotransmitter involved with the regulation of sleep, with appetite and with libido. People with less that average/normal amounts of serotonin could present with: insomnia, hypersomnia (can't regulate sleep), recent weight gain or loss (a criteria for dx of depression...bingo!) because of change in appetite, and decreased sex drive (hmmm...anhedonia, anyone?). I GET IT. Increasing the level of serotonin helps even these symptoms out.
Ok, so how about SIDE EFFECTS? Not as many as with some other drugs, although there are still some. We should always assess for suicide, and this is no exception. Although some SSRIs don't necessarily increase suicide risk further than it already was, still monitor, especially in patients taking Celexa (citalopram). These can make you sleepy....or hyper. Give at bedtime or in the morning, depending on the drug. GUESS WHAT? Giving these meds at bedtime also helps with other side effects(GI stuff), because patients can sleep them off. Encourage them to drink water during the day.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT? Serotonin Syndrome = Abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, fever, elevated HR and BP, delerium, muscle spasms... even death. THIS IS BAD. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.
NAMES? Just recognize these are SSRIs for now. I'll think of something clever later.
Lexapro
Luvox
Prozac
Paxil
Zoloft
Celexa
That's SSRIs. Study them. Know them. Love them.
SSRIs will take 1-4 weeks of daily usage to notice a real change in mood.
How do they work? They inhibit the reuptake of serotonin! Basically, they do not allow the reabsorbtion of serotonin to occur, so more serotonin is available and can be utilized. Hmmm...let's think: serotonin is the neurotransmitter involved with the regulation of sleep, with appetite and with libido. People with less that average/normal amounts of serotonin could present with: insomnia, hypersomnia (can't regulate sleep), recent weight gain or loss (a criteria for dx of depression...bingo!) because of change in appetite, and decreased sex drive (hmmm...anhedonia, anyone?). I GET IT. Increasing the level of serotonin helps even these symptoms out.
Ok, so how about SIDE EFFECTS? Not as many as with some other drugs, although there are still some. We should always assess for suicide, and this is no exception. Although some SSRIs don't necessarily increase suicide risk further than it already was, still monitor, especially in patients taking Celexa (citalopram). These can make you sleepy....or hyper. Give at bedtime or in the morning, depending on the drug. GUESS WHAT? Giving these meds at bedtime also helps with other side effects(GI stuff), because patients can sleep them off. Encourage them to drink water during the day.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT? Serotonin Syndrome = Abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, fever, elevated HR and BP, delerium, muscle spasms... even death. THIS IS BAD. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.
NAMES? Just recognize these are SSRIs for now. I'll think of something clever later.
Lexapro
Luvox
Prozac
Paxil
Zoloft
Celexa
That's SSRIs. Study them. Know them. Love them.
Ok, psych... You are MINE.
Ok so it turns out Psychiatric nursing is a lot like English, and Med/Surg is a lot like math. Some people are really good at English, and some people are really good at math. Some people are really good at psych nursing, and some are really good at med/surg. Just like English and Math, you typically excel in one...and you despise the other. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy psychiatric nursing. I really do! I'm just no good at it. I'm not good in English classes either...
SO... to help me pass this class (which I like, I just suck at), I'm doing a drug of the day and a drug class of the week until school is over. Please comment any corrections or additions; I really DO want to learn this correctly!
Class of 2011... we will succeed!
SO... to help me pass this class (which I like, I just suck at), I'm doing a drug of the day and a drug class of the week until school is over. Please comment any corrections or additions; I really DO want to learn this correctly!
Class of 2011... we will succeed!
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