DRUG NAME: Aripiprazole (Abilify)

CLASSIFICATION: Psychotherapeutic; Antipsychotic, Atypical; Dopamine System Stabilizer

PROTOTYPE: Clozapine

ACTION & THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:

Partial dopaminergic agonist property of aripiprazole accounts for antipsychotic treatment of

schizophrenic and bipolar individuals.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

 Monitor diabetics for loss of glycemic control.

 Monitor cardiovascular status. Assess for and report orthostatic hypotension.
 Monitor body temperature in situations likely to elevate core temperature.
 Monitor for and report signs of tardive dyskinesia.
 Monitor for and immediately report S&S of neuroleptic malignant syndrome that include:
muscle rigidity, altered mental status, irregular pulse and blood pressure, tachycardia,
diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia.

DRUG NAME: Amphetamine Sulfate (Adderall)

CLASSIFICATION: Cerebral Stimulant; Anorexiant

ACTION & THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:

CNS stimulation results in increased motor activity, diminished sense of fatigue, alertness,
wakefulness, and mood elevation. Anorexigenic effect thought to result from direct inhibition of
hypothalamic appetite center, as well as mood elevation.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

 Monitor for therapeutic effectiveness. Tolerance to the mood-elevating effects commonly

occurs within a few weeks.
 Monitor for S&S of toxicity in children.
 Monitor for S&S of insomnia or anorexia.
 Monitor diabetics closely for loss of glycemic control.
 Monitor growth in children; drug may be discontinued periodically to allow for normal growth.
DRUG NAME: Zolpidem (Ambien)

CLASSIFICATION: Anxiolytic; Sedative-Hypnotic, Non-Benzodiazepine

ACTION & THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:

Sedative, anticonvulsant, and antianxiety effects thought to be due to GABA-A agonism.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

 Assess respiratory function in patients with compromised respiratory status.

 Monitor patients for S&S of depression; zolpidem may increase level of depression.
 Monitor older adult or debilitated patients closely for impaired cognitive or motor function and
unusual sensitivity to the drug’s effects.

DRUG NAME: Amitriptyline Hydrochloride (Amitriptyline)

CLASSIFICATION: Psychotherapeutic; Tricyclic Antidepressant

ACTION & THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:

Interference with the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine results in the antidepressant
activity of amitriptyline.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

 Monitor therapeutic effectiveness. It may take 1-6 weeks to reduce attacks when used for
migraine prophylaxis.
 Monitor for S&S of drowsiness and dizziness; institute measures to prevent falling.
 Monitor BP and pulse rate in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease.
 Monitor I&O, including bowel elimination pattern.

DRUG NAME: Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride (Atarax)

CLASSIFICATION: Antihistamine; H₁-Receptor Antagonist

ACTION & THERAPEUTIC EFFECT:

Effective as an antianxiety agent and sedative. Additionally, it is an effective agent for pruritus.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

 Evaluate alertness. Drowsiness may occur and usually disappears with continued therapy or
following reduction of dosage.
 Monitor condition of oral membranes daily when patient is on high dosage of hydroxyzine.
 Reevaluate usefulness of drug periodically.
 Reduce dosage of the depressant up to 50% when CNS depressants are prescribed
concomitantly.