Our Lady of Fatima University

College of Nursing

“DRUG STUDY – ANTIANXIETY DRUGS”

BSN 3Y2 – 3A GROUP 3

LEADER:
Policios, Sharmaine Anne M.

MEMBERS:
Biason, Monette
Gandecila, Jerome Y.
Mendoza , Agatha
Trinidad, Lliana
Gulinao , John Ceazarwin
Sarmiento, Rachelle Mae

Submitted to:
Mrs. Vilma R. Miguel
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ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
Anti-anxiety medications have physical effects on the brain and the body, which can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety,
such as worry, fear, and panic attacks. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor, often by a psychiatrist.
 Anti-anxiety medications are not cures for anxiety disorders, but they can help manage some of the symptoms.
 There are a number of different anti-anxiety medications available, and the right medication for you depends on your type of
anxiety disorder and whether you have other health problems or take other medications.

INDICATIONS:
1. Anxiety/anxiety disorders
2. OCD
3. Post-traumatic disorders
4. Alcohol withdrawal
5. Depression

CLASSIFICATIONS OF ANTIANXIETY DRUGS

1. NON – BENZODIAZEPINE
2. BENZODIAPINES
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NON – BENZODIAZEPINE
 Acts a partial agonist at serotonin receptors which decreases serotonin turnover
 Nonbenzodiazepines (, ) sometimes referred to colloquially as Z-drugs, are a class of psychoactive drugs that are very
benzodiazepine-like in nature. They are used in the treatment of sleep problems.
 Nonbenzodiazepine pharmacodynamics are almost entirely the same as benzodiazepine drugs and therefore exhibit similar
benefits, side-effects, and risks. However, nonbenzodiazepines have dissimilar or entirely different chemical structures and are
therefore unrelated to benzodiazepines on a molecular level.

- BusPar (Buspirone) 

- Ambien (Zolpidem)

SIDE EFFECTS (SHiNeD) 

S- Sedation 

H - Headache 

N - Nausea 

D - Dizziness
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MECHANISM OF CONTRAINDICATION NURSING

DRUG INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION S RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic name: May inhibit Management of - Contraindicated in CNS: Numbness, - Monitor patient
buspirone neuronal firing and anxiety disorders patients hypersensitive to paresthesia, tremors, closely for adverse
hydrochloride reduce serotonin and for short-term drug and within 14 days of dizziness, headache, CNS reactions. Drug is
turnover in cortical, treatment of MAO inhibitor therapy. nervousness, less sedating than other
Brand name: amygdaloid, and generalized drowsiness, light- anxiolytics, but CNS
BusPar septohippocampal anxiety. - Drug isn’t recommended headedness, dream effects may be
tissue. for patients with severe disturbances, decreased unpredictable.
Classification: hepatic or renal concentration,
Anxiolytic Drug Rationale: impairment. excitement, mood - Monitor for
- Antianxiety effect changes. therapeutic
Dosage, Route, is due to serotonin effectiveness. Desired
&Frequency reuptake inhibition CV: Tachycardia, response may begin
and agonist effects palpitation. Special within 7–10 d;
Adults: Initially, on dopamine Senses: Blurred vision. however, optimal
7.5 mg P.O. b.i.d. receptors of the results take 3–4 wk.
Increase dosage brain. It is used to GI: Nausea, vomiting, Reinforce the
by 5 mg daily at 2- treat anxiety dry mouth, importance of
to-3 intervals. disorders or in the abdominal/gastric continuing treatment to
Usual short-term distress, diarrhea, patient.
maintenance treatment of constipation.
dosage is 20 to 30 symptoms of - Benzodiazepines or
mg daily in anxiety. Urogenital: Urinary sedative-hypnotic
divided doses. frequency, hesitancy. drugs are withdrawn
Don’t exceed 60 gradually before
mg daily. Musculoskeletal: buspirone therapy is
Arthralgias. started. Observe
patient for rebound
Respiratory: symptoms, which may
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Hyperventilation, occur over varying

shortness of breath. time periods during
Skin: Rash, edema, first phase of
pruritus, flushing, easy treatment.
bruising, hair loss, dry
skin. - Note: Buspirone may
displace digoxin from
Other: Fatigue, its serum binding,
weakness. increasing the potential
for toxic serum levels
of digoxin. If the two
drugs must be given
concomitantly, monitor
cardiovascular
parameters (BP, pulse)
until dosage has been
stabilized.

- Monitor for and

report dystonia, motor
restlessness, and
involuntary repetitious
movement of facial or
cervical muscle.

- Observe for and

report swollen ankles,
decreased urinary
output, changes in
voiding pattern,
jaundice, itching,
nausea, or vomiting
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MECHANISM OF CONTRAINDICAT NURSING

DRUG INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION IONS RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic name: - Although drug - Short-term treatment - Contraindicated in CNS: - Use drug only for
zolpidem tartrate interacts with one of of insomnia. patients Headache,amnesia,ab short-term management
three identified hypersensitive to drug normaldreams,comple of insomnia, usually 7 to
Brand name: GABA- - Treatment of or its components. x sleep-related 10 days. Reevaluate
Ambien, Ambien CR benzodiazepine insomnia in adults behaviors,ataxia,drow patient if insomnia
receptor complexes, it who experience - Avoid use in siness,depression,dizz persists.
Classification: isn’t a difficulties with sleep patients with severe iness,moodswings,me
Sedative or hypnotic benzodiazepine. It onset and sleep hepatic impairment as morydisorder,nervous - Use the smallest
(nonbarbiturate) exhibits hypnotic maintenance. it may contribute to ness,euphoria,lethargy effective dose in all
activity and minimal encephalopathy. patients.
Dosage, Route, muscle relaxant and CV:
&Frequency anticonvulsant - Use cautiously in Palpitation,chest pain - Take precautions to
properties. patients with prevent hoarding by
Adult: 10 mg PO at compromised EENT: patients who are
bedtime. Do not Drug Rationale: respiratory status or a Diplopia,abnormalvisi depressed, suicidal, or
exceed 10 mg/day. It is used to treat a history of depression on,pharyngitis,sinusiti drug-dependent, or who
ER tablets—12.5 certain sleep problem or worsening s have a history of drug
mg/day PO. (insomnia) in adults. depression. abuse.
Zolpidem belongs to a GI:
Pediatric: Safety and class of drugs called Abdominal
efficacy not sedative-hypnotics. It pain,constipation,diarr
established. acts on the brain to hea,drymouth,dyspeps
produce a calming ia,nausea
Geriatric: Increased effect.
chance of confusion, Musculoskeletal:
acute brain Arthralgia,myalgia,ba
syndrome; initiate ck pain
treatment with 5 mg
PO or 6.25 mg/day Respiratory:
PO ER tablets. Respiratory tract
infection,bronchitis,co
ugh dyspnea
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Skin:
Rash,uticaria

Other:
Flulike
symptoms,hypersensit
ivity reactions
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College of Nursing

BENZODIAPINES
- Mediate the actions of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid)
SIDE EFFECT OF BENZODIAZEPINES

D-Drowsiness 

I-impaired memory 

P-poor motor coordination 

S – sedation

5 D's 
D - Dependence 
D- Driving and other hazardous
activities should be avoided 
D- Drowsiness and sedation decreases with time 
D - Don't stop benzodiazepine abruptly 
D- Don't drink alcohol beverages with antianxiety drugs.

A -Ativan (Lorazepam) 

(D LAST VIVE of Kim, Hannah, & ReX) S-Serax (Oxazepam) 

D-Dalmane (Flurazepam)  T-Tranxene (Chlorazepate)

L- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) 
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V - Valium (Diazepam) K-Klonopin (Clonazepam)

I - Inderal (Propanolol) H- Halcion (Triazolam) 

V - Vistaril (Hyroxyzine) R- Restoril (Temazepam)

X-Xanax (Akprazolam)
E - Equanil (Propanolol)

Medical uses: alcohol withdrawal, anxiety/panic disorder, insomnia, preoperative/ moderate sedation, seizure disorder

Generic/brand names: alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam
(Ativan), oxazepam, temazepam (Restoril), midazolam, triazolam (Halcion)

Routes: oral, injection

TOXICITY SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Hypothermia, BP, respiratory rate, sedation, confusion, slurred speech, ataxia

POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS

Metabolic acidosis (from propylene glycol diluent used in Valium and Ativan injection preparations), respiratory failure, coma,
rhabdomyolysis.

TOXICITY CARE AND TREATMENT

General supportive care. Consider activated charcoal (most effective within 1 hour of toxic oral ingestion); hemodialysis and
forced/enhanced diuresis are ineffective. Flumazenil is the reversal agent for benzodiazepines.

INDICATIONS & DOSAGES 

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Opioids used with benzodiazepines or CNS depressants can cause death. Adjust-a-dose (for all indications): In elderly or debilitated
patients, give 5 mg P.O. b.i.d. to q.i.d. Use smallest effective dose, to prevent oversedation or ataxia. 

> Mild to moderate anxiety Adults: 5 to 10 mg P.O. t.i.d. or q.i.d. Children older than age 6: 5 mg P.O. b.i.d. to q.i.d. Maximum, 10
mg P.O. b.i.d. or t.i.d. 

> Severe anxiety Adults: 20 to 25 mg P.O.t.i.d. or q.i.d. 

> Withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism Adults: 50 to 100 mg P.O. Repeat as needed, up to 300 mg daily.

> Preoperative apprehension and anxiety Adults: 5 to 10 mg P.O.t.i.d. or q.i.d. on days before surgery.

MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Names: Flurazepam binds to Flurazepam is  low amount of dizziness, Do not drink alcohol
Dalmane an allosteric site on officially indicated albumin proteins in or take other
weakness,
GABA-A receptors. for mild to the blood medications that
Binding potentiates moderate insomnia  porphyria loss of coordination, depress the central
(DAL-main)
Capsules, 15 mg the action of GABA and as such it is  psychotic disorder blurred vision, nervous system.
and 30 mg on GABA-A used for short-term  suicidal thoughts headache,
receptors by treatment of  alcohol intoxication depression, While taking
Generic Name: opening the chloride patients with mild  drug abuse Dalmane®
stomach pain,
flurazepam channel within the to moderate  depression (flurazepam) , do not
receptor, causing insomnia such as  decreased lung heartburn, engage in any
Classification chloride influx and difficulty falling function upset stomach, hazardous
Benzodiazepines hyperpolarization. asleep, frequent  a disease of the lung nausea, occupations requiring
antianxiety agents Flurazepam is awakening, early  liver problems complete mental
vomiting,
rapidly metabolized awakenings or a  decreased kidney alertness such as
and is excreted combination of function diarrhea,
operating machinery
primarily in the each.  coma constipation,
urine.  sleep apnea nervousness,
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 a condition where the excited feeling,

DRUG body is unable to or driving a car.
irritability,
RATIONALE: maintain adequate
blood flow called increased sweating,
Flurazepam is a The smallest
benzodiazepine shock flushing (warmth, possible effective
(ben-zoe-dye-AZE-  pregnancy redness, or tingly dose is suggested for
eh-peen) similar  a mother who is feeling), elderly patients due
to Valium. producing milk and to the risk of the
itching or rash,
Flurazepam affects breastfeeding development of
chemicals in the  complex sleep dry mouth, or
oversedation,
brain that may be behaviors like eating unpleasant taste in dizziness, confusion
unbalanced in or driving while your mouth. and/or loss of
people with sleep asleep Dalmane and talk to coordination.
problems  borderline
personality disorder your doctor. Tell your
(insomnia). Sleep problems are
doctor if you have
often temporary,
Flurazepam is used serious side effects of requiring treatment
to treat symptoms Dalmane including: for a very short time.
of insomnia, such You should not use
as trouble falling or Dalmane®
memory loss, or
staying asleep. (flurazepam) , or any
mental/mood/behavio other sedative-
Flurazepam may r changes (such as hypnotic
also be used for new or worsening medications, for long
purposes not listed depression, abnormal periods of time
in this medication without talking to
thoughts, thoughts of
guide. your doctor about the
suicide, risks and benefits of
hallucinations, prolonged use.
confusion, agitation,
aggressive behavior,
or anxiety).
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MECHANISM CONTRAINDICATION NURSING

DRUG INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
OF ACTION S RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name Librium Librium Hypersensitivity, those  respiratory distress, Assess patient for
chlordiazepoxide (chlordiazepoxide (chlordiazepoxide) with pre-existing CNS anxiety and level of
drowsy,
hydrochloride  HCI) has is indicated for the depression, Long-- sedation (ataxia,
antianxiety, management of acting benzodiazepines  dizziness, dizziness, slurred
klor-dye-az-e- sedative, appetite- anxiety disorders cause prolonged  lethargy, speech) periodically
POX-ide stimulating and or for the short sedation in the elderly.  orthostatic throughout therapy,
weak analgesic term relief of Appears on Beers list hypotension Assess risk of falls and
actions. The precise symptoms of and is associated with institute fall prevention
Trade Name mechanism of anxiety, increased risk of falls strategies.
Librium action is not withdrawal" (↓ dose required or
known. The drug symptoms of acute consider short-acting Instruct patient to take
Therapeutic class: blocks EEG arousal alcoholism, and benzodiazepine.) chlordiazepoxide
Anxiolytics  from stimulation of preoperative exactly as directed. If
the brain stem apprehension and medication is less
Pharmacologic reticular formation. anxiety. effective after a few
class: weeks, check with
Benzodiazepines  DRUG health care
RATIONALE: professional; do not
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Controlled
substance To relieve tension increase dose.
schedule: IV and/or anxiety
Medication should be
To manage alcohol tapered at the
withdrawal. completion of long-
AVAILABLE term therapy. Sudden
FORMS Capsules: cessation of
5 mg, 10 mg, 25 medication may lead to
mg withdrawal (insomnia,
irritability,
nervousness, tremors),
USUAL DAILY
DOSE: Instruct patient and
ADULTS family how to reduce
Relief of Mild and falls risk at home.
Moderate Anxiety
Disorders and
Symptoms of
Anxiety
5 mg or 10 mg, 3 or
4 times daily

Relief of Severe
Anxiety Disorders
and Symptoms of
Anxiety
20 mg or 25 mg, 3
or 4 times daily

Geriatric Patients,
or in the presence
of debilitating
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disease.
5 mg, 2 to 4 times
daily

MECHANISM NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
OF ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Name: May potentiate the • Anxiety • Contraindicated in CNS: Drowsiness, • Monitor hepatic,
Lorazepam effects of GABA, • Insomnia for patients sedation, amnesia, renal, and
depress the CNS, anxiety of hypersensitive to agitation, insomnia, hematopoicticfun
(lor-AZ-e-pam) and suppress the transitional drug, other dizziness, weakness, ction
spread of seizure stress benzodiazepines, or unsteadiness, periodicallyin
activity. • Status the vehicle used in disorientation, patients receiving
Therapeutic epilepticus parenteral dosage depression, & repeated or
class: Anxiolytics form and in headache prolonged
patients with acute theraphy.
Pharmacologic angle-closure CV: Hypotension
class: glaucoma.
Benzodiazepines EENT: Visual
• Contraindicated for disturbances, nasal
Route: P.O, I.V, intra-arterial congestion
I.M administration.
GI: Abdominal
discomfort, nausea,
change in appetite

Respiratory:
Respiratory failure,
respiratory
depression
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MECHANISM NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
OF ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Name: May stimulate • Alcohol • Contraindicated in CNS: Drowsiness, • Monitor hepatic,
Oxazepam GABA receptors withdrawal, patients lethargy, dizziness, renal, and
in the ascending severe hypersensitive to vertigo, headache, hematopoicticfun
(ox-AZ-e-pam) reticular activating anxiety drug, and in those syncope, tremor, ction
system. • Mild to with psychoses. slurred speech, periodicallyin
Therapeutic moderate change in ECG patients receiving
class: Anxiolytics anxiety. patterns repeated or
• Severe prolonged
Pharmacologic anxiety CV: Edema theraphy.
class: syndromes;
Benzodiazepines agitation, GI: Nausea
anxiety
Route: P.O, I.V, associated Hepatic: hepatic
I.M with dysfunction
depression.
• Anxiety, Skin: Rash
tension,
irritability, Other: Altered libido
agitation
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MECHANISM NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
OF ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name Unclear. Thought Anxiety disorders  Benzodiazepine  Dizziness  Assess for pregnancy
clorazepate to potentiate hypersensitivity  drowsiness before initiating
dipotassium effects Management of  Tiredness therapy.
of gamma- anxiety disorders or  Acute angle-closure  Fatigue
Trade Name aminobutyric acid for the short-term glaucoma  Blurred vision  Evaluate patient for
Tranxene and other relief of the  Sleep problems depression, drug
neurotransmitters, symptoms of  Psychosis (insomnia) dependence, and drug
Classification promoting anxiety. Anxiety or tolerance.
 Nausea
Pharmacologic inhibitory tension associated  Concurrent  Vomiting
class: neurotransmission with the stress of ketoconazole or  Instruct patient to
Benzodiazepine at  Stomach pain
everyday life itraconazole therapy avoid driving and
Therapeutic excitatory  Upset stomach
usually does not other hazardous
class: Anxiolytic synapses. require treatment  Constipation
 Children younger than activities until he
with an anxiolytic  Dry mouth
age 9 knows how drug
USUAL DAILY 7.5 to 15 mg P.O.  Headache
affects concentration
DOSE: two to four times  Amnesia or
and alertness.
ADULTS daily. forgetfulness
 Muscle
Anxiety weakness  Tell patient to avoid
DRUG smoking and use of
disorders RATIONALE:  Lack of balance
alcohol or other CNS
 Anxiety coordination
depressants.
Adults: 7.5 to 15 Management of  Nervousness
mg P.O. two to anxiety disorders  Irritability
four  Caution patient not to
 Skin rash
times daily stop therapy abruptly,
because withdrawal
symptoms may occur.
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 As appropriate,
review all other
significant and life-
threatening adverse
reactions and
interactions,
especially those
related to the drugs,
tests, herbs, and
behaviors mentioned
above

MECHANISM OF CONTRAINDICATION NURSING

DRUG INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION S RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name Produces anxiolytic Anxiety disorders  Hypersensitivity to  Drowsiness  Advise patient to
diazepam effect and CNS drug, other avoid alcohol and
 Dizziness
depression by Adults: 2 to 10 mg benzodiazepines, other depressants
Trade Name stimulating alcohol, or tartrazine  Tiredness such as sedatives
P.O. two to four
Valium gammaaminobutyri times daily,  Coma or CNS  Blurred vision while taking drug.
c acid receptors. depending on depression  Unsteadiness
Classification Relaxes symptom severity.  Narrow-angle  Mental/mood  Inform patient he
Pharmacologic skeletal muscles of Alternatively, for glaucoma may take drug with
changes
class: spine by inhibiting moderate anxiety, or without food;
Benzodiazepine polysynaptic o Memory
2 to 5 mg I.V., recommend taking
Therapeutic afferent pathways. repeated in 3 to 4 problems it with food if it
class: Anxiolytic Controls seizures by hours if needed. o Agitation causes stomach
enhancing For severe anxiety, o Hallucinations upset.
USUAL DAILY presynaptic 5 to 10 mg I.V., o Confusion
DOSE: inhibition. repeated in 3 to 4  Caution patient to
ADULTS hours if needed. o Restlessness
avoid driving and
o Depression
other hazardous
Anxiety disorders DRUG  Trouble speaking activities until he
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Adults: 2 to 10 mg  Trouble walking

P.O. two to four RATIONALE: knows how drug
 Muscle weakness
times daily, affects
depending on  Shaking (tremors)
Management of concentration and
symptom anxiety disorders  Trouble urinating alertness.
severity. or for the short-  Yellowing eyes/skin
Alternatively, for term relief of the  Tell patient to
moderate symptoms of notify prescriber
anxiety, 2 to 5 mg anxiety immediately if
I.V., repeated in 3 easy bruising or
to bleeding occurs
4 hours if needed.
For severe
 Instruct patient to
anxiety,
move slowly when
5 to 10 mg I.V.,
sitting up or
repeated in 3 to 4
standing, to avoid
hours if needed.
dizziness from
blood pressure
decrease.

 Advise patient not

to stop taking drug
abruptly.
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MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name Competitively Propranolol slows  Hypersensitivity to  Light-headed  Tell patient to
propranolol blocks both β1 and down your heart drug, its components,  Sleepy monitor pulse and
hydrochloride β2 adrenergic rate and makes it or other beta- to promptly report
receptors. When easier for your adrenergic blockers  Short-term memory bradycardia or
Trade Name access to β-receptor heart to pump loss tachycardia.
Inderal sites is blocked by blood around your  Uncompensated heart  Unusually slow
Propranolol HCl, body. It is usually failure pulse  Inform patient that
Classification the chronotropic, prescribed for high drug may cause
 Lethargy
Pharmacologic inotropic, and blood pressure and  Cardiogenic shock muscle aches or
class: Beta- vasodilator other heart  Insomnia
bone pain. Advise
adrenergic responses to beta- problems, but it  Sinus bradycardia,  Diarrhea him to discuss
blocker adrenergic can also help with heart block greater than  Cold hands and feet activity
(nonselective) stimulation are the physical signs  Numbness and/or recommendations
Therapeutic decreased of anxiety, like
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class: proportionately. sweating and first degree tingling of fingers

vascular shaking, 20 to 40 and pain
and toes
headache mg as needed, one  Bronchospastic disease management with
suppressant hour before a prescriber.
stressful situation.
USUAL DAILY  Caution patient to
DOSE: DRUG avoid driving and
ADULTS RATIONALE: other hazardous
Adults: 20 to 40 activities until he
mg as needed, Used for short- knows how drug
one hour before a term relief of affects
stressful social anxiety. concentration,
situation. vision, and
alertness.
To prevent
migraine or
 As appropriate,
vascular
review all other
headache
significant and
Adults: 80 mg
life-threatening
P.O. (extended-
adverse reactions
or
and interactions,
sustained-
especially those
release) daily;
related to the
may increase
drugs, tests.
as needed up to
240 mg/day.
 Beta-blockers can
also interact with
other medications
used to treat many
heart conditions
and
antidepressants, so
make sure you
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keep your doctor

up to date about
any medications,
supplements, or
vitamins.

MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Suppresses activity For symptomatic -Contraindicated in patients CNS: drowsiness, -Warn patient to avoid
Hydroxyzine in certain essential relief of anxiety hypersensitive to drug with dizziness, fatigue, hazardous activities
Pamoate regions of the sub and tension cetirizine hydrochloride, or involuntary motor that requirealertness
cortical area of the associated with levocetirizine activity. and good coordination
Brand Name: CNS. psychoneurosis hydrochloride EENT: Blurred Vision. -Avoid alcohol during
Vistaril and as an adjunct - Use cautiously in patients GI: Dry mouth therapy
in organic disease with glaucoma, BPH, Respiratory: Respiratory -Tell patient to report
Therapeutic states in which Asthma, COPD, and in Depression all adverse reactions
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class: anxiety is elderly especially heart

Antihistamines manifested. palpitations, dizziness,
fainting, difficulty
Pharmacologic breathing, difficulty
class: Piperazine urinating or vision
derivatives change

Dosage: 50mg,
100mg P.O,
Q.I.D

MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: inhibitory effects in indicated for the -Hypersensitivity, allergy CNS: -Do not drive, use
Meprobamate thalamus, limbic management of to related drugs Drowsiness, ataxia, machinery, or do
system; may inhibit anxiety disorders dizziness, slurred anything that needs
Brand Name: multineural spinal or for the short- speech, headache, alertness until you can
Equanil Tablet reflexes term relief of the vertigo, weakness, do it safely.
symptoms of impairment of visual -Avoid alcoholic
Therapeutic anxiety. accommodation, beverages.
class: Anxiolytics euphoria -The lowest effective
dose should be
Dosage: 1200- GI: Nausea,vomiting, administered,
1600 mg/day P.O diarrhea. particularly to elderly
Divided QID and/or debilitated
patients, in order to
preclude oversedation.
-possibility of suicide
attempts should be
considered and the
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least amount of drug

feasible should be
dispensed at any one
time.
-Tell the patient that
sudden stop using of
this medication, may
have withdrawal
symptoms (such as
vomiting, shakiness,
confusion, and rarely
seizures).

MECHANISM OF CONTRAINDICAT NURSING

DRUG INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION IONS RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Unknown. Probably Used alone or as Hypersensitivitytoben Cardiovascular: Pal Clinical Alert
Name:Klonopin acts by facilitating the adjunct in treatment zodiazepines,acute pitation Name confusion has
effects of the of Lennox-Gastaut pulmonaryinsufficien occurred between
Generic name: inhibitory syndrome (petitmal cy,acute narrowangle Dermatologic: Hair Klonopin (clonazepam)
Clonazepam neurotransmitter variant), akinetic and glaucoma. loss, hirsutism, skin and clonidine; use
GABA. myoclonic seizures; rash, ankle and caution.
Dose and maybe useful in facial edema
Frequency: Drug Rationale: patients with absence Assessment
•Individualize Clonazepam is (petit mal)seizures Gastrointestinal: A •History:
dosage; increase aneffectiveanticonvul who have not norexia, coated Hypersensitivity to
dosage gradually to sant. Itraises the responded to tongue, benzodiazepines;
avoid adverse thresholdfor succinimides; up to constipation, psychoses; acute
effects; drug is propagation of seizure 30%of patients show diarrhea, dry narrow-angle glaucoma;
available only in oral activity loss of effectiveness mouth, encopresis,  shock; coma; acute
dosage forms. andpreventsgeneraliza of drug, often within gastritis, increased alcoholic intoxication;
Adults tion of focal or local 3 m.o. of therapy appetite, pregnancy; lactation;
•Seizure disorders: activity.Clinically, it (may respond to liver or renal
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Initial dose should improvesfocal dosage impairment,

not exceed 1.5 epilepsy adjustment);treatment nausea, sore gums debilitation.
mg/day PO divided andgeneralizedseizure of panic disorder with •Physical:
into three doses; s. It is alsobelieved to or without Genitourinary: Dys Skin color, lesions; T;
increase in enhancethe activity of agoraphobia uria, enuresis, noctu orientation, reflexes,
increments of 0.5–1 GABA,and acts ria, urinary retention affect, ophthalmologic
mg PO every 3 days asanxiolytic •Unlabeled uses: examination; P, BP; R,
until seizures are Periodic leg Hematopoietic: Ane adventitious sounds;
adequately movements during mia, leukopenia, thr liver evaluation,
controlled or until sleep; hypokinetic ombocytopenia, eos abdominal examination,
side effects preclude dysarthria, acute inophilia bowel sounds, normal
further increases. manic episodes, output; CBC, LFTs,
Maximum multifocal tic Hepatic: Hepatome renal function tests.
recommended disorders, neuralgias galy, transient
dosageis 20 mg/day. elevations of serum Interventions
•Panic disorders: transaminases and •Monitor addiction-
Initialdose 0.25 mg alkaline prone patients
PO bid;gradually phosphatase carefullybecause of
increase to atarget their predisposition
dose of 1mg/day. tohabituation and drug
Musculoskeletal: M
Pediatric Patients> dependence.
uscle weakness,
10 YR OR 30 KG •Monitor liver function
pains
• and blood
Initially, 0.01– countsperiodically in
0.03mg/kg/day PO; Miscellaneous: Deh patients on long-
do not exceed 0.05 ydration, general termtherapy.
mg/kg/day PO, given deterioration, •WARNING: Taper
in two or three fever, lymphadenop dosage gradually after
doses. Increase athy, weight loss or long-term therapy,
dosage by not gain especially in
morethan 0.25–0.5 patientswith epilepsy;
mg every third day Neurologic: Abnor substitute another
until a daily mal eye antiepileptic.
maintenance dose of movements, aphoni •Monitor patient for
 Our Lady of Fatima University
College of Nursing

0.1–0.2 mg/kg has therapeutic drug

been reached, unless a, choreiform levels:20–80 ng/mL.
seizures are movements, •If the patient has
controlled by lower coma, diplopia dysa epilepsy, arrange for
dosage or side effects rthria, patient to wear medical
preclude increases. dysdiadochokinesis, alert
Whenever possible, ‘‘glassy-eyed’’ identificationindicating
divide daily dose appearance, patient has epilepsy and
into three equal headache, hemipare isreceiving drug
doses, or give largest sis, hypotonia, nysta therapy.
dose at bedtime. gmus, respiratory
depression, slurred
Route: Oral, IV speech, tremor, verti
go

Psychiatric: Confus
ion,
depression, amnesia
, hysteria,
increased libido,
insomnia, psychosis 

Respiratory: Chest 
congestion, rhinorrh
ea, shortness of
breath,
hypersecretion in
upper respiratory
passages
 Our Lady of Fatima University
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MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Name: Unknown. Probably •Short term HALCION Tablets are CNS: Drowsiness, •Alert: anaphylaxis and
Halcion acts on the limbic treatment (7 to 10 contraindicated in patients ataxia, dizziness, angioedema may occur
Generic name: stem, thalamus, and days) of Insomnia with known headache, nervousness. as early as the first
Triazolam hypothalamus of hypersensitivity to this GI: Nausea, vomiting dose; monitor patient
Dose: the CNS to produce drug or other closely.
Tablet: 0.125mg, hypnotic effects by benzodiazepines. •assess mental status
025 mg increasing levels of before starting therapy
Route: inhibitory Benzodiazepines may and reduce doses in
Oral neurotransmitters cause fetal damage when elderly patients.
Frequency: GABA. administered during •Take precautions to
Adult: 0.125 to pregnancy. An increased prevent hoarding or
0.5 mg P.O. at Drug Rationale: risk of congenital overdosing patients
bedtime Triazolam is a malformations associated who are depressed,
Elderly and prescription with the use of diazepam suicidal, or drug-
 Our Lady of Fatima University
College of Nursing

debilitated medicine used in and chlordiazepoxide dependent or who have

patients: 0.125 adults for the short- during the first trimester of history of drug abuse.
mg P.O. at term treatment of a pregnancy has been •Minor changes in
bedtime. sleep problem suggested in several EEG patterns (usually
Maximum dose is called insomnia. studies. Transplacental low-voltage fast
0.25 mg Triazolam tablets is distribution has resulted in activity) may occur
usually taken for 7 neonatal CNS depression during and after
to 10 days. following the ingestion of therapy.
therapeutic doses of a • Look alike-sound
benzodiazepine hypnotic alike: Don’t confuse
during the last weeks of triazolam with
pregnancy. alprazolam. Don’t
confuse Halcion with
HALCION is Haldol or halcinonide.
contraindicated in pregnant
women. If there is a
likelihood of the patient
becoming pregnant while
receiving HALCION, she
should be warned of the
potential risk to the fetus.
Patients should be
instructed to discontinue
the drug prior to becoming
pregnant. The possibility
that a woman of
childbearing potential may
be pregnant at the time of
institution of therapy
should be considered.

HALCION is
contraindicated with
medications that
 Our Lady of Fatima University
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significantly impair the

oxidative metabolism
mediated by cytochrome
P450 3A (CYP 3A)
including ketoconazole,
itraconazole, nefazodone,
and several HIV protease
inhibitors.

MECHANISM OF NURSING
DRUG INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
Potentiates GABA Restoril -Contraindicated in patients CNS: Complex sleep- -Assess mental status
GENERIC neuronal inhibition (temazepam) is hypersensitive to drug or related behaviors, before starting therapy
NAME: in the CNS. indicated for the other benzodiazepines. drowsiness, Insomnia, and reduce dose in
Temazepam short-term irritability, dizziness, elderly patients .
treatment of -Use caution in patient with headache, anxiety,
BRAND NAME: insomnia chronic pulmonary confusion, -Take precautions to
Restoril (generally 7 to 10 insufficiency, impaired drowsiness,light preventdrug hoarding
days). hepatic or renal function, headedness, by patients who are
Therapeutic severe or latent sedation, somnolence, depressed, suicidal, or
Class: Hypnotics depressions, suicidal difficulty speaking, drug dependent or who
tendencies, and history of impaired coordination, have history of drug
Pharmacologic drug abuse. memory impairment, abuse.
Class: ataxia, nightmare,
 Our Lady of Fatima University
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Benzodiazepines -Use cautiously in syncope, akathisia, -Monitorpatient

debilitated patients, those mania. closely
DOSE: 7.5 mg age 65 and other at
increased risk for CV: Palpitations, chest -Consider possibility
ROUTE: P.O oversedation pain, hypotension that a woman of
, dizziness, confusion, childbearing potential
ataxia, and falls. EENT: Blurred vison may be pregnant at
start of therapy.
-Restoril is contraindicated GI: Diarrhea,
in women who are or may abdominal discomfort, -Don’t confuse
become pregnant. If this diarrhea, dry mouth Restoril with risperdal
drug is used during or vistaril or
pregnancy, or if the patient GU: Decreased libido temazepam with
becomes pregnant while flurazepam.
taking this drug, the patient SKIN: Rash,
should be apprised of the diaphoresis
potential hazard to the
fetus. Patients should be
instructed to discontinue
the drug prior to becoming
pregnant. The possibility
that a woman of
childbearing potential may
be pregnant at the time of
institution of therapy
should be considered.
 Our Lady of Fatima University
College of Nursing

MECHANIS
CONTRAINDICATION NURSING
DRUG M OF INDICATIONS SIDE EFFECTS
S RESPONSIBILITIES
ACTION
GENERIC NAME: Unknown. XANAX -Contraindicated in CNS: Insomnia, -Monitor hepatic, renal,
Alprazolam Probably Tablets patientshypersensitive to irritability, and hematopoietic
potentiates the (alprazolam) are drug or other dizziness, function periodically in
BRAND NAME: Xanax effects of indicated for the benzodiazepines and in headache, anxiety, patients receiving
GABA, management those with acute angle- confusion, repeated or prolonged
Therapeutic Class: Anxiolytics depresses the of anxiety closure glaucoma. drowsiness,light therapy.
CNS, and disorder (a headedness,
Pharmacologic Class: suppresses the condition -Use cautiously in elderly sedation, -Closely monitor
Benzodiazepines spread of corresponding patients. somnolence, addiction-prone patients
seizures most closely to difficulty
DOSE:0.25mg,0.5mg,1mg,2m activity. the APA -Use cautiously in patients speaking, impaired -Monitor patient with
g Diagnostic and with hepatic, renal, or coordination, depression for suicidal
Statistical pulmonary disease or memory ideation or plans for
 Our Lady of Fatima University
College of Nursing

Manual [DSM history of substance abuse. impairment, suicide.

ROUTE: P.O III-R] diagnosis ataxia, nightmare,
of generalized syncope, akathisia, -Consider giving same
FREQUENCY: BID every 3 anxiety mania. total daily dose of
days disorder) or the immediate-release
short-term relief CV: Palpitations, formulation in divided
of symptoms chest pain, doses more frequently
of anxiety. hypotension in patients being treated
for panic disorder who
EENT: Blurred experience early
vison, tinnitus, morning anxiety or
allergic rhinitis, anxiety symptoms
nasal congestions between doses.

GI: Diarrhea, dry

mount,
constipation,
nausea,
increasedor
decreased
salivation.

GU:
Dysmenorrhea,
sexual
dysfunction,
premenstrual
syndrome,
difficulty urinating

METABOLIC:
Increased or
decreased weight
Our Lady of Fatima University
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RESPIRATORY:
URI, dyspnea,
hyperventilation.

SKIN: Pruritus,
increased
sweating,
dermatitis