Question

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?

Answer 1

1. Why are SSRIs preferred to Benzodiazipines for treatment of anxiety?

Ans: Benzodiazipines are used for short term management of anxiety and as an add on treatment in treatment of resistant anxiety disorders. They are highly effective in promoting relaxation & reducing muscular tension and other physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. These medications strenghthes the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.

2. How does Zolpidem work to induce sleep?

Ans: Zolpidem helps to improve sleep by boosting GABA function by interaction with Omega 1 receptor subtype. GABA blocks some of the neurotransmitters that send messages to the brain. This has calming effect on brain, which induces sleep. It has rapid onset of action, improves total sleep duration and reduces night time awakenings.

3. Should this medication be used long time?

Ans: Zolpidem is potentially addictive and may cause emotional & physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if it is stopped abruptly after been taken it for an extended period of time.