Important side effects of valproate Valproate is associated with a relatively high rate of teratogenicity (neural tube defects, increased risk of autism) as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome and is not recommended for use in women of childbearing age. Common adverse effects include weight gain, headache, lethargy, tremor, nausea, dyspepsia, and blurred vision. Valproate commonly …
Antiepileptic Drugs for Bipolar Disorder Which antiepileptic drugs are effective for bipolar disorder and for which phases are they effective? Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) for Bipolar Disorder Acute Mania Acute Depression Maintenance Valproate + − − Carbamazepine + − − Lamotrigine − +/− + Sources From Ostacher MJ, Hsin H. The use of antiepileptic drugs in …
Side effects and signs of toxicity of lithium treatment What are some common adverse effects and signs of toxicity of lithium treatment and at what serum lithium levels may they be seen? Common side effects of lithium at therapeutic levels (∼0.6 to 1.0 mEq/L) include acne, weight gain, edema, changes in the glomerular filtration rate, …
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What common medications when used in combination with lithium increase lithium levels (and the possibility of toxicity) or cause idiosyncratic neurotoxicity? Medications that increase lithium levels include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen (aspirin has no effect on lithium levels), thiazide diuretics, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors some antibiotics (tetracycline, …
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What medications increase the concentration of TCAs What medications generally increase the concentration of TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) and what other drug–drug interactions are important to consider with TCAs? Antipsychotics, methylphenidate, SSRIs, quinidine, antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, verapamil, cimetidine, and thiazide diuretics all increase TCA levels Other sedative, anticholinergic, antihypertensive, and cardiotoxic drugs can have additive effects …
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What is the mechanism of action of mirtazapine and how might the side effects of this medication be used therapeutically? Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that acts as an inhibitor of presynaptic alpha-2-noradrenergic receptors and causes an increase in release of serotonin and norepinephrine. It also blocks serotonin (5-HT2, 5-HT3), and histamine (H1) and as a …
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bupropion over SSRIs? Bupropion does not generally cause the sexual dysfunction, GI symptoms, weight gain, or sedation that can occur with SSRIs, and it can help with smoking cessation. It may also help with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms (non-FDA-approved indication). Bupropion is associated with increased risk of seizure, especially …
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