Psychotherapy: 107b - Mood Stabilizers
This flashcard set outlines lithium’s uncertain but intracellular mechanism of action affecting neurotransmission, and its primary use in the treatment and maintenance of bipolar disorder, particularly in preventing manic episodes and reducing suicide risk.
What is the MOA of Li?
Acts via intracellular signal transduction to alter the activity of several neurotransmitters
Not well understood
No synaptic action
Key Terms
What is the MOA of Li?
Acts via intracellular signal transduction to alter the activity of several neurotransmitters
What are the indications for lithium?
Mania
But can take 1-3 weks to see full affect
What fetal malformatio is associated with lithium?
Ebstein’s anomaly
(Dysplastic tricuspid valve)
In general, what is the mechanism of AEDs?
Increased inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels
Results in increased GABA, decreas...
Which drugs can be used to treat acute mania?
Valproic acid
Works quickly
Which medications can be used to treat manic episodes AND for Bipolar disorder maintenence therapy?
Lithium
Valproic acid
Carbam...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is the MOA of Li? | Acts via intracellular signal transduction to alter the activity of several neurotransmitters Not well understood No synaptic action |
What are the indications for lithium? |
|
What fetal malformatio is associated with lithium? |
(Dysplastic tricuspid valve) |
In general, what is the mechanism of AEDs? | Increased inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels Results in increased GABA, decreased glutamate activity |
Which drugs can be used to treat acute mania? |
|
Which medications can be used to treat manic episodes AND for Bipolar disorder maintenence therapy? |
|
Which AED can be used as maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder, but not to treat acute manic episodes? | Lamotrigine |
Which mood stabilizers are most effective in the treatment of bipolar depression? |
Valproic acid, carbamazepine can be used in acute mania and maintenance, but are not as effective for bipolar depression |
Which AED carries the lowest risk of sedation and weight gain? What side effect IS associated with this agent? | Lamotrigine 10% get benign rash, 1% get SJS |
What are the symptoms of Lithium toxicity? |
|
How is lithium toxicity managed? |
|
What might cause a patient previously doing well on Lithium to develop lithium toxicity? |
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What are the key differences between antidepressants and mood stabilizers? | Both work to treat and prevent depressive episodes
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