Questions and Answers
What is the drug classification of Tegretol (carbamazepine)?
What is the dose range for Tegretol (carbamazepine) in adults?
400-800 mg daily in divided doses
What is one of the pharmacological actions of Tegretol?
Decreases synaptic transmission in CNS by affecting sodium channels in neurons
Which of the following are therapeutic uses of Tegretol?
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One potential side effect of Tegretol is ______.
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Which of the following may decrease the effectiveness of Tegretol?
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What should be avoided alongside the use of Tegretol?
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What should patients monitor while taking Tegretol?
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What is a concern in the nursing administration of Tegretol?
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What indicates the effectiveness of Tegretol for bipolar disorder?
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Study Notes
Drug Classification
- Anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used for various neurological and psychiatric conditions
Dose Range
- Typical oral dosage is 400 mg daily, divided into multiple doses
- Common dosage range falls between 400-800 mg
Pharmacological Action
- Reduces synaptic transmission in the central nervous system
- Primarily affects sodium channels in neurons
Therapeutic Uses
- Effective in managing bipolar disorder
- Used to control various seizure types
- Treats trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy
Side Effects/Adverse Effects
- Potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- May cause ataxia, drowsiness, psychosis, and blurred vision
- Can lead to increased liver enzymes and severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Risk of blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis
- Other effects include dizziness, hypotension, sedation, and leukopenia
Medication/Food Interactions
- Corticosteroids and contraceptives may reduce Tegretol's effectiveness
- Benzodiazepines and haloperidol can also lower the drug's efficacy
- MAOIs require caution due to potential interactions
- SSRIs and antidepressants might increase Tegretol levels and toxicity risk
- Grapefruit juice can elevate drug levels, necessitating caution
Nursing Interventions/Client Education
- Emphasize adherence to prescribed dosing schedule
- Advise against concurrent use of other CNS depressants
- Recommend sun protection due to potential skin sensitivity
- Suggest non-hormonal contraceptive methods
- Educate on monitoring for skin changes and mental status shifts
- Stress the importance of reporting missed doses, suicidal ideation, or worsening mood changes
- Pregnancy status should always be communicated to the healthcare provider
- Assist patients in rising from sitting positions to prevent dizziness
- Regular CBC monitoring for platelets, iron, and white blood cells is essential
- Monitor laboratory results to ensure therapeutic range (4-12 µg/mL)
Nursing Administration Concerns
- Vigilantly monitor for changes in platelets, iron, and white blood cell counts
- Contraindicated in patients with bone marrow depression
- Necessary to check labs for increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine protein, glucose, and calcium levels
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
- Monitor for reduction in mania and depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar I disorder
- Assess for decrease in pain levels
- Ensure absence or reduction in seizure frequency and severity
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Description
This quiz covers the classification, dosage, pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, side effects, and interactions of anticonvulsant medications. Test your knowledge on how these drugs function, their applications in treating psychiatric and neurological conditions, and the potential risks associated with their use.
