Lecture Notes: Neurotransmitters and Psychiatric Medications

Introduction

• Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
• Topics Covered:
  • Key neurotransmitters affected by mental health medications
  • Important patient teaching for psychiatric medications
  • Quiz on key points

Neurotransmitters Overview

• Definition: Chemical messengers allowing neuron communication.
• Mechanism of Action: Released by one neuron into synapse, binds to another neuron’s receptors.
• Reuptake: Neurotransmitters taken back into the first neuron for reuse.
• Psychiatric Medications: Often work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake, increasing synaptic concentration.

Key Neurotransmitters

1. GABA

   • Type: Inhibitory
   • Function: Decreases nerve excitability, calming effect.
   • Medications: Benzodiazepines, Mood stabilizers increase GABA levels.
   • Memory Aid: "Gabby gabs non-stop, making friends sleepy".

2. Serotonin

   • Function: Regulates mood, attention, sleep.
   • Medications: SSRIs, SSNRIs block reuptake, increase serotonin.

3. Norepinephrine

   • Functions: Affects stress, sleep, attention, focus, autonomic nervous system.
   • Medications: Tricyclic antidepressants, SSNRIs increase levels.

4. Dopamine

   • Functions: Regulates movement, attention, motivation, reward.
   • Disorders: Schizophrenia, ADHD linked to alterations.
   • Medications: Antipsychotic agents, Buspirone alter levels.

Patient Teaching for Psychiatric Medications

• Dosage:
  • Take as prescribed, do not self-adjust.
  • Do not double dose if missed without provider’s instruction.
• Interactions:
  • Inform provider of all herbal, OTC, prescription medications.
  • Be aware of life-threatening interactions.
• Onset of Effects:
  • Several weeks for full medication effects.
• Serotonin Syndrome Risk:
  • Symptoms: Agitation, diaphoresis, fever, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, muscle rigidity, tremors.
  • Avoid St. John's Wort due to increased risk.

Quiz Questions

1. Which neurotransmitter decreases nerve excitability and has a calming effect?
   • Answer: GABA
2. Excess levels of which neurotransmitter can cause agitation, fever, diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia?
   • Answer: Serotonin
3. What herbal supplement increases the risk for serotonin syndrome when taken with psychiatric medications?
   • Answer: St. John's Wort

Conclusion

• Encouragement to review material and good luck with studying.