pharmacology & Therapeutics

 Why are SSRIs preferred to benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety? 

How does Zolpidem work to induce sleep? Should this medication be used long term?

Is melatonin safe to use long term for sleep? How does it induce sleep? How long does it take to take effect?

 What is the mechanism of action of the two major groups of antipsychotic drugs? 

 What are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)? How are these treated?

 

What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome? How is this treated?

Name three teaching points for the patient starting fluoxetine.

 What are the clinical manifestations of tricyclic antidepressent overdose (toxicity)? How is this managed?

Are the dietary and medication interactions with MAOIs? Why are these restricted?

What are the adverse effects of lithium used to treat bipolar disorder at normal and excessive levels?

What teaching points would you use to help the patient stay within normal lithium levels?

Name the three classes of drugs used to treat bipolar.  What aspect of the disease do these drugs each treat? (pg 370)