Pharmacology for Professional Nursing (NUR2474) - Test #1 - Review Latest Update 2023/2024

(NUR2474 Section CPPC2A0Z Pharmacology for Professional Nursing (11 Weeks) - Residential and Online - 2021 Spring Quarter) 1. Lithium levels, use, side effects o Lithium is a MOOD STABILIZER o Levels:  0.4 to 1 mEq/L. o Action:  Prevents/decreases incidence of acute manic episodes - May inhibit MOA = Increase activity of brain o Use:  Treat Bipolar Disorder o Side Effects:  Nausea, , Abdominal bloating, Anorexia, Fatigue, and Memory impairment, Polyuria (frequently urinating), Tremor, Hypothyroidism o Teratogenic  Def: Can disturb the development of the embryo/fetus and produce malformation o 1-3 weeks for full effect 2. Benzodiazepines uses, actions, antidote, side effects o Suffix: -PAM, -LAM o Fast Acting o Short term use o Can cause dependency o Uses:  Anxiety, Insomnia, and Seizure disorders, Muscle spasms, and Withdrawal from alcohol o Actions:  Binds to GABA receptors to enhance the action of GABA - GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows/calms the speed of brain activity o Antidote:  Flumazenil - Administered IV o Side Effects:  Sedation, Low respiration rate, Low blood pressure, Low heart rate, and Amnesia 3. Medications for anxiety, sleep and concentration o Anxiety:  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI’s) - Suffix: -TINE, -LINE, -PRAM - 4 weeks for full effect - Works slow - Do not take with St. Johns Wort - Action: o Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin back into the neuron leading to more serotonin floating around in the brain = Improve mood - Use: o Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, OCD - Side Effects: o Weight gain. Insomnia, and Sexual dysfunction - Drug used: Paroxetine o Dosage:  20 to 50 mg/day - Drug used: Venlafaxine (SNRI) o Dosage:  37.5 mg once a day o Routes:  Standard tablets (generic only)  Nonbenzodiazepine-Nonbarbiturates - Drug used: Buspirone (Atypical) o 1-2 weeks for full effect – Works slow o Short term use o Does not cause sedation or dependency o Take with food if GI upset o Side Effects:  Dizziness, Nausea, Headache o Use:  Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and Panic  Benzodiazepines - Suffix: -PAM, -LAM - Works immediately - Drug used: Diazepam - Uses: o Anxiety, Insomnia, and Seizure disorders, Muscle spasms, and Withdrawal from alcohol - Actions: o Binds to GABA receptors to enhance the action of GABA  GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows/calms the speed of brain activity - Side Effects: o Sedation, Low respiration rate, Low blood pressure, Low heart rate, and Amnesia o Sleep:  Benzodiazepines - (See Anxiety)  Antidepressants - Takes 2-4 weeks to take full effect - Risk for suicide - Medications: o SSRI’s  Action: Improves mood  Risk: Serotonin Syndrome = Agitation, Hallucinations, Fever, Tremors, and Sweating  Side Effects: Weight gain. Insomnia, and Sexual dysfunction  Suffix: -TINE, -LINE, -PRAM o SNRI’s  Action: Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine into the neuron.. leading to more floating around the brain  Side Effects: Loss of appetite, Insomnia, and Sexual dysfunction o TCA’s  Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake, norepinephrine, and alpha receptors  Use: Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Fibromyalgia  Side Effects: Orthostatic hypotension, Sedation, anticholinergic, and Urinary retention  Suffix: -TRYPTLINE, -IPRAMINE  Be careful in the sun = Increase fiber and fluids o MAOI’s  Action: Blocks the destruction of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and tyramine.. leading to increase of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and tyramine  Use: Depression and Panic disorder  Side Effects: Agitation, Anxiety, Low blood pressure, Hypertensive crisis,  Do not eat tyramine foods o Atypicals  Buproprion (Wellbutrin)  For Depression and Smoking cessation  Trazadone  For Depression (high dose) and Insomnia o Concentration:  Stimulants (see #4 for more info) - Adderall (dextroamphetamine) - Ritalin & Concerta (methylphenidate)