Nclex Pharmacology for Mental Health Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide

Antidepressants

• Fluoxetine (Prozac®) (SSRI): Treats depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and bulimia. May cause gastrointestinal upset, headache, and insomnia.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor®) (SNRI): Treats depression, anxiety disorders, and social anxiety disorder. May cause nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.
• Amitriptyline (Elavil®) (TCA): Treats depression and anxiety disorders. May cause anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation).
• Phenelzine (Nardil®) (MAOI): Treats depression. Requires a restrictive diet to avoid interactions with tyramine-containing foods.

Antipsychotics

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®) (Typical): Treats schizophrenia and psychosis. May cause extrapyramidal side effects (e.g., parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia).
• Risperidone (Risperdal®) (Atypical): Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. May cause weight gain, hyperprolactinemia, and QT interval prolongation.
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) (Atypical): Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and agitation. May cause weight gain, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension.

Anxiolytics

• Alprazolam (Xanax®) (Benzodiazepine): Treats anxiety and panic disorders. May cause sedation, cognitive impairment, and dependence.
• Buspirone (Buspar®): Treats anxiety disorders. May take several weeks to achieve therapeutic effects.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica®): Treats anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. May cause dizziness, somnolence, and weight gain.

Mood Stabilizers

• Lithium: Treats bipolar disorder and mood swings. Requires careful monitoring of serum levels to prevent toxicity.
• Valproic acid (Depakote®): Treats bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and migraine prophylaxis. May cause gastrointestinal upset, liver toxicity, and teratogenicity.
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal®): Treats bipolar disorder and epilepsy. May cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a serious skin reaction).

Stimulants

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin®): Treats ADHD and narcolepsy. May cause decreased appetite, insomnia, and jitteriness.
• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall®): Treats ADHD and narcolepsy. May cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and insomnia.

• Assessment: Nurses assess patients' mental health status, symptoms, and risk factors before administering medications.
• Administration: Medications should be administered as prescribed, adhering to dosage, frequency, and route of administration.
• Monitoring: Nurses monitor patients for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions. This may include monitoring for changes in mood, behavior, and physical signs.
• Education: Nurses educate patients and their families about the medications, their benefits, and potential side effects.
• Safety: Nurses assess for contraindications and interactions, and implement measures to ensure patient safety, such as fall precautions.
• Collaboration: Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and mental health specialists, to provide comprehensive care.

Nclex pharmacology for mental health conditions is a vast and complex field. Understanding the various classes of medications, their specific uses, and nursing considerations is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients with mental health disorders. Continuous education and a thorough grasp of psychopharmacology are crucial for nurses to fulfill their role in the management and treatment of these conditions. By staying informed about the latest advancements in mental health pharmacology, nurses can contribute to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

NCLEX Pharmacology for Mental Health Conditions: 50 Nursing Practice Questions & Rationales to Easily Pass the NCLEX! (Book 3 of 3)

by Chase Hassen

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