lOMoARcPSD|46354221
Final study guide
, lOMoARcPSD|46354221
Final Review for NURS 6521
For all classes of medications, you will need to understand the mechanism of action, side effects,
appropriate use and contraindications for the classes of drugs and individual drugs listed below.
Also, know the key patient education points including cautions, expected effects, and appropriate
use (with food, empty stomach, etc.).
**THIS IS A STUDY MAP AND NOT CONCLUSIVE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ALL MATERIAL COVERED IN THE ASSOCIATED WEEK’S CONTENT**
Week 8: Pharmacology for Psychological Disorders
Review for the different classes: How they will affect the patient, side effects (major side
effects), when to use vs when not to use for the following:
Antipsychotics
How they will affect the patient: Antipsychotics are primarily used to treat psychotic
disorders such as schizophrenia. They work by altering the balance of certain
neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include weight gain, sedation,
movement disorders (e.g., extrapyramidal symptoms), and metabolic changes (e.g.,
diabetes risk). Some antipsychotics may also carry a risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
When to use: Antipsychotics are prescribed for individuals with psychotic disorders or
severe mood disorders when other treatments are insufficient or when there's a risk to the
patient or others.
When not to use: Antipsychotics should be used cautiously or avoided in certain
situations, such as in individuals with known allergies to the medication, specific medical
conditions that contraindicate their use, or during pregnancy (with careful consideration
of the potential risks and benefits).
Bipolar medications
How they will affect the patient: Medications for bipolar disorder aim to stabilize mood
and prevent extreme mood swings. Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics are
commonly used.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects vary depending on the specific
medication but can include weight gain, sedation, tremors, and potential long-term effects
on thyroid and kidney function.
When to use: Bipolar medications are used to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder,
such as mania, hypomania, and depression.
When not to use: These medications are generally not used in individuals without a
bipolar disorder diagnosis or when there are contraindications, such as allergies or
specific medical conditions.
, lOMoARcPSD|46354221
Sedatives
How they will affect the patient: Sedatives are central nervous system depressants that
can induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness,
cognitive impairment, and the risk of dependence or addiction.
When to use: Sedatives are typically used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, or for
short-term relief from acute anxiety or stress.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals with a history of substance
abuse, certain medical conditions, or during pregnancy (especially during the first
trimester).
Anxiety Medications
How they will affect the patient: Anxiety medications can have various mechanisms of
action, such as benzodiazepines (fast-acting) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), which work over time to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea, and the potential for withdrawal symptoms and dependence (for
benzodiazepines).
When to use: Anxiety medications are prescribed to individuals with diagnosed anxiety
disorders when non-pharmacological treatments are not sufficient or when anxiety
symptoms are severely impacting daily life.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals without an anxiety disorder
diagnosis, or in cases of known allergies, certain medical conditions, or during pregnancy
(with careful consideration of risks and benefits).
Stimulants like: methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, Adderall, etc.
How they will affect the patient: Stimulants are typically used to increase alertness,
attention, and reduce hyperactivity in conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include increased heart rate,
insomnia, decreased appetite, and the potential for abuse and addiction.
When to use: Stimulants are used in individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy when non-
pharmacological interventions are insufficient in managing symptoms.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD or
narcolepsy, and they are typically avoided in individuals with certain cardiac conditions,
a history of substance abuse, or pregnancy (with careful consideration of risks and
benefits).
Final study guide
, lOMoARcPSD|46354221
Final Review for NURS 6521
For all classes of medications, you will need to understand the mechanism of action, side effects,
appropriate use and contraindications for the classes of drugs and individual drugs listed below.
Also, know the key patient education points including cautions, expected effects, and appropriate
use (with food, empty stomach, etc.).
**THIS IS A STUDY MAP AND NOT CONCLUSIVE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ALL MATERIAL COVERED IN THE ASSOCIATED WEEK’S CONTENT**
Week 8: Pharmacology for Psychological Disorders
Review for the different classes: How they will affect the patient, side effects (major side
effects), when to use vs when not to use for the following:
Antipsychotics
How they will affect the patient: Antipsychotics are primarily used to treat psychotic
disorders such as schizophrenia. They work by altering the balance of certain
neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include weight gain, sedation,
movement disorders (e.g., extrapyramidal symptoms), and metabolic changes (e.g.,
diabetes risk). Some antipsychotics may also carry a risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
When to use: Antipsychotics are prescribed for individuals with psychotic disorders or
severe mood disorders when other treatments are insufficient or when there's a risk to the
patient or others.
When not to use: Antipsychotics should be used cautiously or avoided in certain
situations, such as in individuals with known allergies to the medication, specific medical
conditions that contraindicate their use, or during pregnancy (with careful consideration
of the potential risks and benefits).
Bipolar medications
How they will affect the patient: Medications for bipolar disorder aim to stabilize mood
and prevent extreme mood swings. Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics are
commonly used.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects vary depending on the specific
medication but can include weight gain, sedation, tremors, and potential long-term effects
on thyroid and kidney function.
When to use: Bipolar medications are used to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder,
such as mania, hypomania, and depression.
When not to use: These medications are generally not used in individuals without a
bipolar disorder diagnosis or when there are contraindications, such as allergies or
specific medical conditions.
, lOMoARcPSD|46354221
Sedatives
How they will affect the patient: Sedatives are central nervous system depressants that
can induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness,
cognitive impairment, and the risk of dependence or addiction.
When to use: Sedatives are typically used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, or for
short-term relief from acute anxiety or stress.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals with a history of substance
abuse, certain medical conditions, or during pregnancy (especially during the first
trimester).
Anxiety Medications
How they will affect the patient: Anxiety medications can have various mechanisms of
action, such as benzodiazepines (fast-acting) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), which work over time to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea, and the potential for withdrawal symptoms and dependence (for
benzodiazepines).
When to use: Anxiety medications are prescribed to individuals with diagnosed anxiety
disorders when non-pharmacological treatments are not sufficient or when anxiety
symptoms are severely impacting daily life.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals without an anxiety disorder
diagnosis, or in cases of known allergies, certain medical conditions, or during pregnancy
(with careful consideration of risks and benefits).
Stimulants like: methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, Adderall, etc.
How they will affect the patient: Stimulants are typically used to increase alertness,
attention, and reduce hyperactivity in conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).
Side effects (major side effects): Major side effects can include increased heart rate,
insomnia, decreased appetite, and the potential for abuse and addiction.
When to use: Stimulants are used in individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy when non-
pharmacological interventions are insufficient in managing symptoms.
When not to use: They should not be used in individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD or
narcolepsy, and they are typically avoided in individuals with certain cardiac conditions,
a history of substance abuse, or pregnancy (with careful consideration of risks and
benefits).
