Psychotropic Medications for Specific Disorders
Psychotropic Medications for Specific Disorders ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who is prescribed buspirone (BuSpar) for anxiety. The nurse should identify that which of the following medications can interact with buspirone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome?
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant that can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anti-anxiety medication that also affects serotonin receptors. Taking these two medications together can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, confusion, fever, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
Choice B is wrong because lithium carbonate (Lithobid) is a mood stabilizer that does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
Choice C is wrong because diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
Choice D is wrong because zolpidem (Ambien) is a sedative-hypnotic that acts on GABA receptors. It does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant that can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anti-anxiety medication that also affects serotonin receptors. Taking these two medications together can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, confusion, fever, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
Choice B is wrong because lithium carbonate (Lithobid) is a mood stabilizer that does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
Choice C is wrong because diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
Choice D is wrong because zolpidem (Ambien) is a sedative-hypnotic that acts on GABA receptors. It does not interact with buspirone or affect serotonin levels.
The normal range of serotonin in the blood is 101 to 283 ng/mL. Serotonin syndrome can occur when serotonin levels exceed 500 ng/mL.)