Which one of the following is Antimanic drug?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Lithium carbonate is classified as a mood stabilizer and is the classic antimanic agent.
It is indicated for the treatment of acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder and for long-term maintenance to prevent or diminish the intensity of subsequent episodes.
While its exact mechanism is complex, it is thought to work by modulating neurotransmitter activity and altering second messenger systems within the brain to stabilize mood.

Option A: Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with sedative and anticholinergic properties.
Option B: Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used primarily to treat major depressive disorder.
Option C: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker, a class of drugs used to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac arrhythmias.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology: Drug Classification and Indications helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Due to its narrow therapeutic index, monitoring serum lithium levels is a critical nursing responsibility. Blood samples should be drawn 12 hours after the last dose, typically 5-7 days after starting the medication or changing the dose.
Patient education is a cornerstone of safe lithium therapy. Nurses must instruct patients to maintain a consistent daily intake of sodium and fluids (around 2-3 liters) because dehydration, excessive sweating, or a low-sodium diet can decrease lithium excretion and lead to toxicity.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing for and reporting signs of toxicity. Early detection of symptoms like worsening tremors, confusion, or gastrointestinal distress can prevent severe complications.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question common in pharmacology.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Antimanic drug'.
Define the term: An antimanic drug is a psychotropic medication used to treat and prevent episodes of mania, which are characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Systematically review each option and recall its primary drug class and indication.
Option A, Diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine.
Option B, Imipramine, is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 117-119

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2046-2048

Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.