ANTAGONISTS Agonists → Drugs that allow the body’s neurotransmitters, hormones, and other
regulators to perform the jobs they are supposed to perform (i.e. Morphine sulfate is an opioid agonist
that works on mu receptor) Antagonists → Prevent the body from performing a function that it would
normally perform (i.e. Narcan) ● I.e. Narcan
ANTIDOTES 1. Muscarinic agonists, cholinesterase inhibitors → Bethanechol, Neostigine a. Atropine 2.
Anticholinergic drugs (Atropine) → Phyosostigmine 3. Digoxin, digitoxin → Digibind 4. Warfarin
(Coumadin) → Vitamin K 5. Heparin → Protamine sulfate 6. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia → Glucagon 7.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) → Acetylcysteine
ANXIETY MEDICATIONS 1. Benzodiazepines - Alprazolam (xanax) → antidote is flumazenil 2. Atypical
anxiolytics - Buspirone (BuSpar) → Used for anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD a. S/E include dizziness,
nausea (take w/ meals to decrease), headache b. NO SEDATION. Dependency not likely so long-term use
is ok. Full effect not felt fr several wks
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS 1. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - inhibits
serotonin reuptake (↑ serotonin) a. Citalopram (Celexa), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac),
Paroxetine (Paxil) i. End in “ine” so think of how its stressful to have a teen in the house - these meds are
used for anxiety and depression b. Pt education → Avoid st. john’s wort. Ensure a healthy diet c. S/E
include insomnia (paroxetine), nausea, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, wt gain d. Watch for serotonin
syndrome!! S/S → agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors e. Full effects not felt for up to a
month