Generic Name(Brand Name) Lithium Carbonate (Litcab) Classification: Mood Stabilizer

Indication Dosage & Frequency

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects

Nursing Responsibilities

Prophylaxis of manic disorder (bipolar disorder). 1.5-2 g daily may be given for the first 5-7 days.

To treat bipolar manicdepressive psychosis, manic episodes.

Ataxia Tremor Muscle hyperirrita bility Slurred speech Psychomot or retardation Blurry vision

Direct client to avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as driving. Instruct the client to promptly report symptoms to the health care provider. Inform client about EPS. Advise client to rise slowly from sitting or lying to standing to prevent sudden decrease of blood pressure.

Generic Name(Brand Name) Chlorpromazin e (Thorazine) Classification: Psychotic drugs

Indication Dosage & Frequency

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects

Nursing Responsibilities

Management for psychotic disorders, manic depressive disorders. 10 mg TID

Block dopamine receptors in the brain; also alter dopamine release and turnover.

Agitation Drowsines s Agranuloc ytosis Extrapyra midal effect Postural hypotensio n

Assess mental status prior to and periodically during therapy. Monitor BP and pulse prior to and frequently during the period of dosage adjustment.. Observe patient carefully when administering medication, to ensure that medication is actually taken and not hoarded. Assess patient for signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Generic Name(Brand Name) Risperidone (Risperdal) Classification: Atypical AntiPsychotic drugs

Indication Dosage & Frequency

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects

Nursing Responsibilities

Treatment of a broad range of patients with schizophrenia. 2 mg OD

May act as antagonizing dopamine and serotonin in CNS.

Insomnia Anxiety Agitation Dizziness Fatigue Blurred vision

Direct client to avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as driving. Instruct the client to promptly report symptoms to the health care provider. Inform client about EPS. Advise client to rise slowly from sitting or lying to standing to prevent sudden decrease of blood pressure.

Generic Name(Brand Name) Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Classification: Anticonvulsant

Indication Dosage & Frequency Indicated for acute mania and bipolar affective disorder. 400-1600 mg/day given in 2-3 divided doses.

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects

Nursing Responsibilities

Carbamazepine stabilizes the inactivated state of Voltage-gated sodium channels, making fewer of these channels available to subsequently open. This leaves the affected cells less excitable until the drug dissociates. Carbamazepine potentiates GABA receptors made up of alpha1, beta2, gamma2 subunits. This may be relevant to its efficacy in neuropathic pain and manicdepressive illness.

Dizziness Ataxia Leukopeni a Fatigue

Administer medication with food to minimize gastric irritation. Do not crush or chew extendedrelease tablets. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible but not just before next dose; do not double doses. Medication should be gradually discontinued to prevent seizures. Instruct patients that fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising, petechiae, unusual bleeding should be reported. Advise patient not to take alcohol or other CNS depressant concurrently with this medication.

Generic Name(Brand Name) Divalproex Sodium (Depakotel) Classification: Anticonvulsant

Indication Dosage & Frequency

Mechanism of Action

Side Effects

Nursing Responsibilities

Treatment for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder with or without psychotic features. 25 mg/kg/day

Increases level of gamma/amino butyric in brain, which decreases seizure activity.

Dizziness Ataxia Tremor Abnormal gait nervousnes s

Assess for GI complaints. Assess for pain. Assess for changes in bowel. Assess for EPS. Instruct the patient to inform physician of transient intestinal cramps, increased plasma prolactin levels and EPS occur.