NURS 222Mental health Medications

PSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS (Chap 22, 212-221) Antipsychotics (1st Gen Conventional) – blocks dopamine (D2), acetylcholine, histamine and norepinephrine (NE) receptors in the brain. Used mainly to control positive symptoms of psychotic behavior. Reserved for violent and aggressive patients. ● chlorpromazine (Thorazine) – low potency → Prototype ● thioridazine – low potency ● loxapine, medium potency ● perphenazine, medium potency ● haloperidol (Haldol), high potency ● thiothixene (Navane), high potency ● fluphenazine, high potency ● trifluoperazine, high potency Atypical Antipsychotics (2nd Gen) – blocks serotonin, and to a lesser degree, dopamine receptors. Medication of choice because of less side effects. Treats both positive and negative symptoms. Fewe