Mental Health Nursing Medications - Questions and Answers

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Mental Health Nursing Medications - Questions and Answers Antipsychotics/ neuroleptics MAJOR TRANQUILIZERS Used to treat bipolar, psychoses, agitation, schizophrenia The Meds: chlorpromazine (Thorazi... ne) Haloperidol (Haldol) Fluphenazine (Prolixin) thioridazine (Mellaril) thiothixine (Navane) trifluoperazine (Trilafon) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) ****They block DOPAMINE RECEPTORS in the brain (which are the immediate precursors to norepinephrine). These affect neurotransmitters that allow for communication between nerve cells. Adverse reactions: hypotension, dizziness, fainting, dry mouth, possible impotence in men, photosensitivity, blood dyscrasias (abnormal values) THERE ARE MORE ADVERSE REACTIONS! SEE NEXT CARD! Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) (more adverse reactions from antipsychotics/neuroleptics) These types of symptoms appear to be dose related and are the most frightening to patient: 1. Dystonia: difficult or bad muscle tone in head & neck, swallowing problems, tongue sticks out 2.Akathisia- inability to sit down. restlessness. 3. Pseudo-Parkinsonism: side effects like tremors & "stiff face" that resemble Parkinson's disease. Occur a few weeks to a few months after therapy. May be controlled by anti-Parkinsonism med. 4.Tardive Dyskinesia: rhythimical, involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth, jaw, trunk, extremities. No effective tratment. 5.NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS): uncommon reaction to neuroleptics, but could cause death. Muscle rigidity, hyperpyrexia (fever), fluctuations in BP, altered or loss of consciousness. NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE! Atypical Antipsychotics Block multiple dopamine & serotonin receptors. The MEDS: clozapine (Clozaril) (lowers WBC count (agranulocytosis), [Show More]

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