Drug

Generic
name:
Biperide
n

Brand
name:
Akineton

Pregna
ncy
categor
y:
C

Drug
Generic
name:
Haloperido
l

Classi
ficatio
n
Antipar
kinsoni
an

Mechanism Of
Action
Anticholinergic
acticity int the
CNS that is
believed to help
normalize the
hypothesized
inbalance of
cholinergic and
dopaminergic
neurotransmissio
n in the basal
ganglia in the
brain of a
parkinsonism
patient. Reduces
severity of
rigidity, and to a
lesser extent,
akinesia and
tremor
characterizing
parkinsonism;
less effective
overall than
levodopa;
peripheral
anticholinergic
effects suppress
secondary
symptoms of
parkinsonism,
such as drooling.

Classificatio
n
Antipsychotic
Dopaminergic
blocker

Brand
name:
Haldol
Decanoate

Pregnanc
y
category:
C

Adverse
Reaction

CNS:

disorientatio
n, confusion,
nervousness,
lightheadedness,
dizziness
CV:
tachycardia,
palpitations,
hypotension,
orthostatic
hypotension
Dermatologic:
rash,
urticaria
EENT: blurred
vision,
mydriasis,
angle closure
glaucoma

GI: dry mouth,

constipation
GU: urinary
retension,
urinary
hecitancy,
dysuria
Others:
flushing,
decreased
sweating,
elevated
temp.

Mechanism
Of Action
Mechanism not
fully
understood,
antipsychotics
block
postsynaptic
dopamine
receptors in
the brain,
depress the
RAS, including
those parts of
the brain
involved with
wakefulness
and emesis;
chemically
resembles the
phenothiazines
.

Drug

Classificati
on

Mechanism Of
Action

Contraindication
Contraindicated

with
hypersensitivity
to benztropine;
glaucoma,
especially angle
closure
glaucoma; pyloric

or duodenal
obstruction,
stenosing peptic
ulcers, achalasia
(mega
esophagus);
prostatic
hypertrophy or
bladder neck
obstractions;
myasthenia
gravis.
Use cautiously with
tachycardia,
cardiac
arrhythmias,
hypertension,
hypotension,
hepatic or renal
impairment,
alcoholism,
chronic illness,
people who work
in a hot
environment; hot
weather;
lactation;
Alzheimers
disease,
pregnancy.

Adverse
Reaction
Not all effects
have been
reported with
haloperidol;
however,
because
haloperidol has
certain
pharmacologic
similarities to
the
phenothiazine
class of
antipsychotic
drugs, all
adverse effects
associated with
phenothiazines
therapy should
be kept in mind
when
haloperidol is
used.
Autonomic:
dry mouth,
salivation,
nasal
congestion,
nausea,
vomiting,
anorexia,
fever, pallor
CNS:
drowsiness,
extrapyrami
dal
syndrome
dystonia;
akathisia;
pseudoparki
nsonism.

Adverse
Reaction

Indication
Adjunct in the
therapy of
parkinsonism
(post
encephalitic,
arteriosclerotic,
and idiopathic
type)
Relief for
symptoms of
extrapyramidal
disorders that
accompany
phenothiazine
therapy.

Contraindication
Contraindicated
with
hypersensitivity to
typical
antipsychotics,
coma or severe
CNS depression,
bone marrow
depression, blood
dyscrasia,
circulatory
collapse,
subcortical brain
damage,
Parkinsons
disease, liver
damage, cerebral
arteriosclerosis,
coronary disease,
severe
hypotension or
hypertension.
Use cautiously
with pregnancy,
lactation,
respiratory
disorder, epilepsy
or history of
epilepsy, tardive
dyskinesia, breast
cancer, children
younger than 12
yr, CNS infection,
allergy to aspirin if
giving the 1-,2-,5and 10- mg tablets
(these tablets
contain tartrazine).

Contraindication

Teaching Points

Indication

Take this drug exactly as

prescribed.
Avoid the use of alcohol,
sedative, and over the
counter drugs (can cause
dangerous effects).
You may experience these
side effects: drowsiness,
dizziness, confusion,
blurred vision (avoid driving
or engaging in activities
that require alertness and
visual acuity); nausea (eat
frequent small meals); dry
mouth ( suck sugarless
lozenges or ice chips);
painful or difficult urination
(empty bladder
immediately before each
dose); constipation
(maintain adequate fluid
intake and exercise
regularly); use caution in
hot weather (you are
susceptible to heat
prostration).
Report difficult or painful
urination; constipation;
rapid or pounding
heartbeat; confusion, eye
pain, or rash.

Teaching Points

Management of
manifestatio
ns of
psychotic
disorders.
Control of tics
and
vocalization
s in Tourette
syndrome in
adults and
children.
Behavioral
problems in
children
with
combative,
explosive
hyperexcita
bility that
cannot be
attributed to
immediate
provocation.
Short term
treatment of
hyperactive
children
with
excessive
motor
activity,
mood
lability.
Haloperidol
decanoate:
prolonged
parenteral
therapy of
chronic
schizophreni
a.

Take this drug exactly as

prescribed.
Avoid driving or engaging in
other dangerous
activities if dizziness or
drowsiness or vision
changes occur.
Avoid prolonged exposure to
sun, or use a sunscreen
or covering garments.
Maintain fluid intake, and
use precautions against
heatstroke in hot
weather.
You may experience these
side effects: dry mouth
(sucking sugarless
lozenges may help);
urinary retention (empty
your bladder before
taking the drug),
constipation (medication
may be available to
help).
Report sore throat, fever,
unusual bleeding or
bruising, rash, weakness,
tremors, impaired vision,
dark colored urine
(pink or reddish brown
urine is to be expected),
pale stool, yellowing of
the skin or eyes.

Indication

Teaching Points

Generic
name:
Chlorpromazi
ne
hydrochlorid
e

Antiemetic
Antipsychoti
c
Anxiolytic
Dopaminerg
ic blocker
Phenothiazi
ne

Brand
name:
Thorazine

Pregnancy
category:
C

Drug
Generic
name:
Fluphenazi
ne
decanoate

Brand
name:
Apo
Fluphenazi
ne

Pregnanc
y
category:
C

Classificati
on
Antipsychot
ic
Dopaminer
gic blocker
Phenothiazi
ne

Mechanism not
fully
understood;
antipsychotic
drug block
postsynaptic
dopamine
receptors in the
brain; depress
those parts of
the brain
involved in
wakefulness
and emesis;
anticholinergic,
antihistaminic
(H1), and alpha
adrenergic
blocking.

Mechanism Of
Action
Mechanism not
fully
understood:
Antipsychotic
drugs block
postsynaptic
dopamine
receptors in the
brain, depress
the RAS,
including the
part of the
brain involved
with
wakefulness
and emesis;
anticholinergic,
antihistaminic
(H1), and alpha
adrenergic
blocking
activity also
may contribute
to some of its
therapeutic
(and adverse)
actions.

CNS:

drowsines
s,
insomnia,
vertigo,
extrapyra
midal
syndrome
s,
neurolepti
c
malignant
syndrome
.
CV:
hypertens
ion,
ortostatic
hypotensi
on,
hypertens

ion,
tachycard
ia
EENT: nasal
congestio
n,
photopho
bia,
blurred
vision
Endocrine:
lactation;
breast
engorgem
ent in
females;
galactorrh
ea; SIADH
GI: dry
mouth,
salivation,
nausea,
vomiting,
anorexia,
constipati
on

Contraindicated

with allergy to
chlorpromazine,
comatose or
severely
depress states,
bone marrow
depression,
circulatory

collapse, sub
cortical brain
damage,
Parkinsons
disease, liver

damage,
cerebral or
coronary
arteriosclerosis,
severe
hypotension or
hypertension.

Use cautiously
with respiratory
disorders;
glaucoma;

epilepsy or
history of
epilepsy; peptic
ulcer or history
of peptic ulcer;

Adverse Reaction

decrease renal
function;
prostate
hypertrophy;
breast cancer;
tyrotoxicosis;
children with
chicken pox.

Management of
manifestation
s of psychotic
disorders;
control of
manic phase
of manic
depressive
illness.
Relief of
preoperative
restlessness
and
apprehension.
Adjunct
treatment of
tetanus.
Acute
intermittent
porphyria
therapy.
Severe
behavioral
problems in
children.
Therapy for
combativenes
s,
hyperactivity.
Control of
nausea and
vomiting and
intractable
hiccups.

Contraindication

Take drug exactly as

prescribed. Avoid over
the- counter drugs and
alcohol unless you have
consulted your health care
provider.
Learn how to dilute oral drug
concentrate or how to use
rectal suppository.
Do not get oral concentrate
on your skin or cloths;
contact dermatitis can
occur.
Use caution in hot weather
risk of heat stroke; keep up
fluid intake, and do not
over exercise in a hot
climate.
You may experience these
side effect: drowsiness
(avoid driving or operating
dangerous machinery;
avoid alcohol, which
increases drowsiness);
sensitivity to the sun (avoid
prolonged sun exposure,
wear protective garments
or use sunscreens); pink or
reddish brown urine
(expected effect);
faintness, dizziness
(change position slowly;
use caution climbing stairs;
usually transient).
Report sore throat, fever.
Unusual bleeding or
bruising, rash, weakness,
tremors, impaired vision,
dark urine, pale stools,
yellowing of the skin and
eyes.

Indication

CNS: drowsiness,
Contraindicated
Management of
extrapyramidal
with
manifestations
syndrome
hypersensitivity
of psychotic
(pseudoparkinso
to fluphenazine;
disorder; the
nism); dystonias;
other
longer acting
akathisias,neurol
phenothiazines,
parenteral
eptic malignants
tartrazine, or
dosage forms,
syndrome,
aspirin; coma or
fluphenazine
autonomic
severe CNS
enanthate and
disturbance.
depression;
fluphenazine
CV: cardiac arrest,
bone marrow
decanoate,
refractory
depression;
indicated for
arrhythmias,
blood dyscrasia;
management
pulmonary
circulatory
of patients
edema
collapse;
(chronic
Endocrine:
subcortical brain
schizophrenics
hypoglycemia,
damage;
) who require
SIADH, lactation,
Parkinsons
prolonged
brest
disease; liver
parenteral
engorgement in
damage;
therapy.
Fluphenazine
female
cerebral
Hematologic:
decanoate:
arteriosclerosis;
eosinophilia,
management
coronary
leucopenia,
of behavioral
disease; severe
aplastic anemia,
complications
hypotension or
hemolytic
in patient with
hypertension;
anemia
mental
pregnancy.
Hypersensitivity:
Use catiously with
retardation.
urticaria,
respiratory
laryngeal edema,
disorder (silent
anaphylactoid
pneumonia),
reaction.
glaucoma,
prostatic
hypertrophy,
lactation,
children
younger than 12
yrs, CNS
infection.

Teaching Points

Take drug exactly as

prescribed.
Avoid driving or
engaging in other
dangerous activities
if drowsiness,
weakness, tremor,
extrapyramidal
symptoms, or vision
changes occur.
Avoid prolonged
exposure to sun; use
a sunscreen or cover
skin if exposure is
unavoidable.
Maintain fluid intake,
and use precautions
against heatstroke in
hot weather.
Report sore throat,
fever, unusual
bleeding or bruising,
rash, weakness,
tremors, impaired
vision, dark urine
(pink or reddish
brown urine is
expected), pale stool,
yellowing of skin or
eyes.

Drug
Generic
name:
Carbamezepi
ne

Classifica
tion
Antiepilept
ic

Brand
name:
Tegretol

Pregnancy
category:
D

Mechanism
Of Action
Mechanism of
action not
understood;
anti-epileptic
activity may
be related to
its ability to
inhibit
polysynaptic
response and
block posttitanic
potentiation.
Drug is
chemically
related to the
TCAs.

Adverse Reaction

Drug
Generic
name:
Lithium
carbonate

Brand
name:
Carbolith,
Duralith

Pregnanc
y
category:
D

Classifi
cation
Antima
nic drug

Contraindication

CNS: dizziness,
Contraindicated

drowsiness,
with
unsteadiness,
hypersensitivit
SIADH, fever,
y to
chills
carbamazepin
CV: heart failure, CV
e or TCAs,
complications
history of
Dermatologic:
bone marrow
Stevens-Johnsons
depression,
syndrome, pruritic
concomitant
and erythematous
use of MAOIs,
rashes
lactation,
GI: nausea, vomiting,
pregnancy.
hepatitis, massive Use cautiously
hepatic cellular
with history of
necrosis with total
adverse
loss of intact liver
hematologic
tissue
reaction to
GU: urinary
any drug
frequency, acute
Iincreased risk
urinary retention,
of severe
renal failure
hematologic
Respiratory:

toxicity),
pulmonary
glaucoma or
hypersensitivity
increased IOP;
characterized by
history of
fever, dyspnea,
cardiac,
pneumonitis or

hepatic, or
pneumonia
renal damage;
psychiatric
patients (may
activate latent
psychosis).

Mechanism Of
Action
Mechanism is not
known; alters sodium
transport in nerve and
muscle cells; inhibits
release of
norepinephrine and
dopamine, but not
serotonin, from
stimulated neurons;
slightly increases
intraneuronal stores
of atecholamines;
decreases
intraneuronal content
of second messengers
and may thereby
selectively modulate
the responsiveness of
hyperactive neurons that might contribute to the manic state.
-

Adverse
Reaction
Reactions are
related to
serum lithium
levels. (Toxic
lithium levels
are close to
therapeutic
levels:
Therapeutic
levels in acute
mania range
between 1 and
1.5 mEq/l;
therapeutic
levels for
maintainance
are 0.6-1.2
mEq/l.
Drowsiness
Dizziness
GI upset
Mild thirst
Greater than
usual urine
volume

Fine hand
tremor

Indication

Teaching Points

Refractory seizure

disorders: partial
seizures with
complex symptoms
(psychomotor,
temporal lobe
epilepsy),
generalized tonicclonic (grand mal)

seizure, mixed
seizure patients or
other partial or
generalized
seizures. Reserved
to patients
unresponsive to
other agents with
seizures difficult to
control or who are
experiencing side
effects, such as
excessive sedation.

Treatment of acute
manic and mixed
episodes associated
with bipolar 1
disorder (Equetro)
Unlabeled use: certain
psychiatric
disorders, including
schizoaffective
illness, resistant
schizophrenia

Contraindication

Indication

Contraindicated
with
hypersensitivity
to tartrazine;
significant renal
or CV disease;
severe
debilitation,
dehydration;
sodium
depletion,
patients on
diuretic (lithium
decreases
sodium
reabsorption,
and
hyponatremia
increases
lithium
retention); use
ACE inhibitors;
pregnancy;
lactation
Use cautiously with
protracted
sweating and
diarrhea,
suicidal or
impulsive
patients;
infection with
fever.

Treatment of
manic episodes
of bipolar
disorder;
maintenance
therapy to
prevent or
diminish
frequency and
intensity of
subsequent
manic episode.
Unlabeled use:
improvement of
neutrophil counts
in patient cancer
chemotherapyinduced
neutropenia and
in children with
chronic
neutropenia and
HIV patients on
zidovudine
therapy (dose of
300-1,000
md/day, serum
levels of 0.5 and
1 mEq/l),
prophylaxis of
cluster headache
and cyclic
migraine
headache,
treatment of
SIADH,
hypothyroidism
(doses of 600900 mg/day).

Take drug with food as

prescribed. swallow
extended-release tablets
whole; do not cut, crush or
chew them. If using Equetro
capsule, they may be
opened and contents
sprinkled over soft food,
such as 1 tsp of applesauce.
Do not discontinue drug
abruptly or change dosage,
except on the advice of your
physician.
Avoid alcohol, sleep-inducing,
or over-the-counter drugs;
these could cause
dangerous effects.
Arrange for frequent checkups,
including blood tests, to
monitor your response to
this drug. Keep all
appointments for checkups.
Use contraceptives at all
times; if you wish to become
pregnant, you should
consult your physician.
You may experience:
drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, GI upset.
Report bruising, unsual
bleeding, abdominal pain,
darkened urine, yellowing of
the skin and eyes.

Teaching Points

Take drug exactly as

prescribed, after meals or
with food or milk. Swallow
sustained or controlledrelease tablets whole; do
not chew or crush.
Eat a normal diet with normal
salt intake; maintain
adequate fluid intake (at
least 2.5 quarts/day).
Arrange for frequent checkups
to get the most benefits
with the least toxicity.
Use contraceptives to avoid
pregnancy. If you wish to
become pregnant or believe
that you have become
pregnant, consult your
health care provider.
Discontinue drug and notify
your health care provider if
toxicity occurs diarrhea,
vomiting, ataxia, tremor,
drowsiness, lack of
coordination or muscular
weakness.
You may experience these side
effects: drowsiness,
dizziness (avoid driving or
performing tasks that
require alertness), GI upset
(eat frequent small meals);
mild thirst, greater than
usual urine volume, fine
hand tremor (may persist
throughout therapy; notify
your health care provider if
severe).
Report diarrhea or fever.

Drug
Generic
name:
Fluvoxamin
e maleate

Classi
ficatio
n
SSRI

Brand
name:
Luvox

Mechanis
m Of
Action
Selectively
inhibits
CNS
neuronal
uptake of
serotonin,
blocks
uptake of
serotonin
with weak
effect on
norepineph
rine; little
affinity for
muscarinic,
histaminer
gic, and
alpha1,
adrenergic
receptors.

Pregnanc
y
category:
C

Drug
Generic
name:
Sertraline
hydrochlorid
e

Adverse Reaction

Classificati
on
Antidepressa
nt
SSRI

Brand
name:
Zoloft

CNS: headache,

nervousness, insomnia,
drowsiness, anxiety,
tremor, dizziness, lightheadedness, agitation,

sedation, abnormal
gait, seizure.
Dermatologic: sweating,
rash, pruritus, acne,
alopecia, contact
dermatitis
GI: nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, dry mouth,
anorexia, constipation,
taste changes,
flatulence,
gastroenteritis,
gingivitis
GU: sexual dysfunction,
frequency, cystitis,
impotence, vaginitis
Respiratory: URIs,
pharyngitis, cough,
dyspnea, bronchitis

Mechanism
Of Action
Acts as an

antidepressant
by inhibiting
CNS neuronal
uptake of
serotonin;
blocks uptake
of serotonin
with little
effect on
norepinephrine
, muscarinic;
histaminergic,
and alpha1
adrenergic or
dopaminergic
receptors.

Pregnancy
category:
C

Drug
Generic
name:
Buspirone
hydrochlorid
e

Brand
name:
Buspar

Classifi
cation
Anxiolyti
c

Mechanism Of
Action
Mechanism of

action not
known; lacks
anti-seizure, or
muscle relaxant
properties; binds
serotonin
receptors, but
the clinical
significance is
unclear.

Adverse
Reaction
CNS:

headache,
nervousness
,
drowsiness,
anxiety,
tremor,
dizziness,
insomnia,
vision
changes,
fatigue
Dermatologic:
sweating,
rash,
pruritus
GI: nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea, dry
mouth,
gastroenteri
tis
GU: painful
menstruatio
n, sexual
dysfunction
Respiratory:
URIs,
rhinitis,
dyspnea
Others: hot
flashes,
fever, back
pain, thirst

Contraindication

Indication

Teaching Points

Contraindicated
with
hypersensitivity
to fluvoxamine,
lactation
Use cautiously
with impaired
hepatic or renal
function,
suicidal
tendencies,
seizures, mania,
ECT therapy, CV
disease, labor
and delivery,
pregnancy.

Treatment of OCD
Treatment of
social anxiety
disorder (CR
capsules)
Unlabeled use:
treatment of
depression,
bulimia

nervosa,
panic disorder

Take this drug at bedtime; if a

large dose is needed, the
dose may be divided but take
the largest dose at bedtime.
Do not cut, crush or chew
controlled-release capsules.
Do not stop taking this drug
abruptly; it should be
discontinued slowly.
You may experience these side
effects: dizziness,
drowsiness, nervousness,
insomnia (avoid driving or
performing hazardous tasks),
nausea, vomiting, weight loss
(eat frequent small meals),
sexual dysfunction
(reversible).
Report rash, mania, seizures,
severe weight loss, suicidal
thoughts.

Contraindication

Indication

Contraindicated

with
hypersensitivity
to sertraline
Use cautiously with
impaired hepatic
or renal function,
lactation,
pregnancy.

Adverse Reaction
CNS: dizziness,

headache,
nervousness,
insomnia, light
headedness,
excitement, dream
disturbance, seizures,
altered taste and

smell, involuntary
movements
CV: nonspecific chest
pain, tachycardia or
palpitation
GI: nausea, dry mouth,
vomiting, abdominal
or gastric distress,
diarrhea, flatulence,

Treatment of
major
depressive
disorder
Treatment of OCD
Treatment of
panic disorder
with or without
agoraphobia
Treatment of
PTSD; longterm use to
prevent relapse
and sustain
symptom
improvement
Treatment of
PMDD
Treatment of
social anxiety
disorder(social
phobia)
Unlabeled uses:
Nocturnal
enuresis, hot
flashes,
cholestatic
pruritus

Contraindicatio
n
Contraindicated
with
hypersensitivit
y to buspirone;
marked liver or
renal

impairment;
lactation
Use cautiously
with
pregnancy;
mild renal or
hepatic
impairment.

Teaching Points
Take the drug once a day, at the
same time, morning or
evening, do not exceed the
prescribed dose. It may take
4-6 wks to see any
improvement.
Dilute concentrate immediately
before use in 4 ounces of
water, ginger ale, lemon
lime soda, lemonade, or
orange juice only.
Consult your health care
provider if you think that
you are pregnant or wish to
become pregnant.
You may experience these side
effects: dizziness,
drowsiness, nervousness,
insomnia (avoid driving or
performing hazardous
tasks), nausea, vomiting
(eat frequent small meals);
dry mouth suck sugarless
lozenges, perform frequent
mouth care); excessive
sweating (monitor
temperature; avoid over
heating).
Report rash, mania, seizures,
edema, difficulty breathing,
increased depression,
thought of suicide.

Indication
Management of

anxiety

disorders or
short term relief
of symptoms of
anxiety
Unlabeled use:
decreasing the
symptoms
(aches, pains,
fatigue,
cramps,
irritability) of
PMS

Teaching Points
Take this drug exactly as
prescribed.
Avoid the use of alcohol, sleepinducing, or over-the-counter
drugs and grapefruit juice,
these could cause dangerous
effects.
You may experience these side
effects: drowsiness, dizziness,
light-headedness (avoid
driving or operating complex
machinery); GI upset (eat
frequent small meals); dry
mouth (suck sugarless
lozenges or ice chips);
dreams, nightmares, difficulty
concentrating or sleeping,

Pregnancy
category:
B

Drug
Generic
name:
Lorazepam

Brand
name:
Ativan

Pregnancy
category:
D

Controlled
substance
C-IV

Classific
ation
Anxiolytic
Benzodia
zepine
Sedativehypnotic

Mechanism Of
Action
Exact

mechanisms
are not
understood;
acts mainly at
subcortical
levels of the
CNS, leaving
the cortex
relatively
unaffected.
Main site of
action may be
the limbic
system and

reticular

formation;
benzodiazepine
s potentiate the
effects of
GABA, an
inhibitory
neurotransmitt
er; anxiolytic
effects occur at
doses well
below those
needed to
cause sedation
and ataxia.

constipation
GU: urinary frequency,
urinary hesitancy
Respiratory:
hyperventilation
shortness of breath,
chest congestion
Others: musculoskeletal
aches and pain,
clamminess, sore
throat

Adverse Reaction
CNS: transient, mild
drowsiness initially;
sedation, depression,
lethargy, apathy,
fatigue, lightheadedness,
disorientation, anger,
hostility, restlessness,
confusion, headache,
paradoxical excitatory
reactions during first 2
wk of treatment
EENT: visual and auditory
disturbance, diplopia
GI: dry mouth, nausea,
vomiting, salivation
Others: drug dependence
with withdrawal
syndrome when drug is
discontinued; more
common with abrupt
discontinuation of
higher dosage used for
longer than 4 months.

Contraindication
Contraindicated with
hypersensitivity
to
benzodiazepines
, propylene
glycol,
polyethylene
glycol or benzyl
alcohol
(parenteral
lorazepam);
psychoses,
acute narrowangle glaucoma;

shock; coma;
pregnancy, labor
and delivery
(floppy infant
syndrome);
lactation.
Use cautiously with
impaired hepatic
or renal
function.

confusion, excitement
(reversible; will stop when the
drug is discontinued).
Report abnormal involuntary
movements of facial or neck
muscles; abnormal posture;
yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Indication
Oral: management
of anxiety
disorder or for
short term relief
of symptoms of

anxiety or
anxiety
associated with
depression;
insomnia due to
anxiety or
transient
situational
stress.
Parenteral:
preanesthetic
medication in
adults to

produce
sedation, rlieve
anxiety, and
decrease racall
of events
related to
surgery;
treatment of
status
epilepticus.

Teaching Points
Take drug exactly as
prescribed, do not stop
taking drug (in long-term
therapy) without consulting
health care provider.
You may experience these
side effects: drowsiness,
dizziness (may be transient,
avoid driving or engaging in
dangerous activities); GI
upset (take drug with food);
nocturnal sleep
disturbances for several
nights after discontinuing
the drug if used as a
sedative and hypnotic;
depression, dreams,
emotional upset, crying.
Report severe dizziness,
weakness, drowsiness, rash
or skin lesions, palpitations,
edema of the extremities,
visual changes, difficulty
voiding.