Psychiatric Medication

called neuroleptics . Used to treat psychotic symptoms.

• hallucinations and delusions-mostly
• Disorganized orincoherent speech,
• Confused thinking,
• Strange, possibly dangerous behavior, Bizarre behavior,
• Slowed or unusual movements,
• Loss of interest in personal hygiene
• Loss of interest in activities.

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar – the manic phase
• Agitation

• Block the dopamine receptors in the brain thereby reduce the psychotic symptoms.
• Also blocks chemoreceptors, trigger zone and the vomiting center in the brain thereby producing antiemetic effect

2 types Antipsychotic

traditional mainstay of antipsychotic treatment

The atypical (or "novel") neuroleptics, also known as the "newer" drugs. It is more expensive but with less side effect.

• Anticholinergic effect
• Sedation
• Decrease in sexual interest or ability
• Photosensitivity
• Liver problem
• Weight gain
• Change color of urine pink or orange
• Agranulocytosis
• Extrapyramidal Syndrome
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Parkinsonism
• Dystonia
• Akathisia

is a neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.

• Monitor vital signs closely
• Monitor serum glucose level
• Administer medication with food and milk to decrease gastric irritation
• The important of taking medication on time and avoid stopping medication abruptly

Antianxiety drugs are medicines that calm and relax people with excessive anxiety, nervousness, or tension, or for short-term control of phobia disorder

benzodiazepam

Flumazenil

They act by depressing the reticular activating system (RAS)which is the part of the brain responsible for awake and motivation.

biological, genetic, and environmental factors

act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuron thereby making them more available.

• Must not be used with alcohol or antihistamine
• (cough mix) as they will cause severe CNS depression.
• Must not be used along with MAOI as they cause
• hypertensive crisis
• They may cause reduction in the effectiveness of
• antihypertensive medication

• Sedation-leading to drowsiness,
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Hypertensive crisis
• Erectile dysfunction
• orgasm difficulty
• Anticholinergic manifestation
• Insomnia- especially -Parnate
• Weight gain

acts on CNS by increasing concentration of epinephrine, serotonin and dopamine

Phentolamine (Regitine)

It produces antidepressant effect by inhibiting serotonin uptake and destruction thereby making more serotonin available.

them to take medication early in the day to avoid sleep disturbance at night.

drug used in the treatment of manic phase of bipolar

most effective in the treatment of mania.

0.6-1.2 mEq/liter

sedation, drowsiness

• anti-cholinergic effects
• postural hypotension.

requires renal function assessment and monitoring of blood level

cause extrapyramidal effects (EPS);

can be permanent if client is not assessed regularly for signs of tardive dyskinesia!

photosensitivity, need to wear protective clothing, sunglasses.

dietary restrictions to prevent hypertensive crisis.