NURS 615 PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2 (2026/2027)
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED
A+ MARYVILLE
What is a great risk of seizure potential while taking anti-seizure medications?
Stopping the medication abruptly.
What type of medication is topiramate (Topamax)?
Anti-seizure med
What does topiramate cause?
Electrolyte imbalance -- hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
What are adverse effects of topiramate?
Weight loss, high temperature, and inability to sweat
What medication affects Lamictal?
OCPs decrease the effects of this drug, so the dose must be doubled
Can valproate (Depakote) be used during pregnancy?
,It is a known teratogen. If needed, must be used after 1st trimester.
What must be ruled out in patients before starting an anti-depressant?
hypothyroidism
Anti-depressant that is to be used with caution in cardiac patients due to behaving
like class 1 anti-arrythmics?
TCAs
TCA side effects are mainly of what type?
Anti-cholinergic
What is a first-line antidepressant in children?
fluoxetine (Prozac)
How do you discontinue an SSRI?
Taper by reducing the dose by 50% for 3-4 days
When are MAOIs effective?
In atypical depression or Parkinson's
,Why are MAOIs reserved for last line of treatment?
Lethal drug interactions and food interactions
How long before starting a new antidepressant after MAOIs?
At least 2 weeks to clear it from system
What are high tyramine foods and when are they contraindicated?
Fermented foods; aged cheese, wine alcohol
Contraindicated with MAOI use
Important drug interaction and side effect with MAOIs?
Avoid other serotonin drugs and watch for hypertensive crisis
What anti-depressant may have sleep issues if taken at night?
fluoxetine (Prozac) (SSRI)
How do SSRIs work?
They block the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft so there is more serotonin
around
, How does carbamazepine work?
Works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain
How often should carbamazepine lab values be monitored? What labs?
CBC q 3-4 months
What anti-seizure med auto induces metabolism?
Carbamazepine
What medication decreases the production of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets?
Carbamazepine
What is carbamazepine half-life?
Single dose: 30 hours
Multiple dose: 15 hours
How are sexual side effects linked to SSRIs?
Sexual side effects may start after 1 month; especially common in Paxil
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED
A+ MARYVILLE
What is a great risk of seizure potential while taking anti-seizure medications?
Stopping the medication abruptly.
What type of medication is topiramate (Topamax)?
Anti-seizure med
What does topiramate cause?
Electrolyte imbalance -- hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
What are adverse effects of topiramate?
Weight loss, high temperature, and inability to sweat
What medication affects Lamictal?
OCPs decrease the effects of this drug, so the dose must be doubled
Can valproate (Depakote) be used during pregnancy?
,It is a known teratogen. If needed, must be used after 1st trimester.
What must be ruled out in patients before starting an anti-depressant?
hypothyroidism
Anti-depressant that is to be used with caution in cardiac patients due to behaving
like class 1 anti-arrythmics?
TCAs
TCA side effects are mainly of what type?
Anti-cholinergic
What is a first-line antidepressant in children?
fluoxetine (Prozac)
How do you discontinue an SSRI?
Taper by reducing the dose by 50% for 3-4 days
When are MAOIs effective?
In atypical depression or Parkinson's
,Why are MAOIs reserved for last line of treatment?
Lethal drug interactions and food interactions
How long before starting a new antidepressant after MAOIs?
At least 2 weeks to clear it from system
What are high tyramine foods and when are they contraindicated?
Fermented foods; aged cheese, wine alcohol
Contraindicated with MAOI use
Important drug interaction and side effect with MAOIs?
Avoid other serotonin drugs and watch for hypertensive crisis
What anti-depressant may have sleep issues if taken at night?
fluoxetine (Prozac) (SSRI)
How do SSRIs work?
They block the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft so there is more serotonin
around
, How does carbamazepine work?
Works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain
How often should carbamazepine lab values be monitored? What labs?
CBC q 3-4 months
What anti-seizure med auto induces metabolism?
Carbamazepine
What medication decreases the production of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets?
Carbamazepine
What is carbamazepine half-life?
Single dose: 30 hours
Multiple dose: 15 hours
How are sexual side effects linked to SSRIs?
Sexual side effects may start after 1 month; especially common in Paxil
