Anti Anxiety Agents
Anti Anxiety Agents
Anti Anxiety Agents
N O VA S O U T H E A S T E R N U N I V E R S I T Y
ASSAF COLLEGE OF NURSING
NUR 3191: PHARMACOLOGIC BASIS FOR
N U R S I N G I N T E RV E N T I O N S I
NEURONS
• Respond to stimuli
• Release neurotransmitters
LIFE OF
NEUROTRANSMITTER
• diphenhydramine (Benedryl)
• hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
MISCELLANEOUS
BUSPIRONE (BUSPAR)
• Non-benzodiozepine
• Non addicting
• Less sedating
• No physical or psychological dependence
• Can be used for long periods of time
• Useful in generalized anxiety disorder
CONTRAINDICATIONS
OF ANXIOLYTICS
• Severe respiratory depression
• Open angle glaucoma
• History of seizure disorder
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy
PATIENT TEACHING
• Routine oral dosing given at bedtime
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Caution against driving and machinery
• Do not stop abruptly
• Report sleep pattern changes
• Paradoxical excitation (increased talkativeness, emotional release,
excitement, and excessive movement)
• Observe for therapeutic effects
• Observe for adverse effects
NURSING ASSESSMENT
• Review CBC, electrolytes and kidney function test, if
ordered
• Vitals signs especially BP
• Asses for alertness, orientation, and sensory and motor
functioning
• Complaints of headache, ataxia or neurological abnormalities
• Medication reconciliation
• Allergies
• Mental status
• Drug interactions
PATIENT TEACHING
• Routine oral dosing given at bedtime
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Caution against driving and use of machinery
• Do not stop abruptly
• Report sleep pattern changes
• Paradoxical excitation (increased talkativeness, emotional
release, excitement, and excessive movement)
• Observe for adverse effects
• Observe for therapeutic effects
REFERENCE
Lilley, L. L., Rainforth Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. S. (2017).
Pharmacology and
the nursing process. (8th ed.) St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.