Question

Difficulty: MediumBipolar and Related Disorders

Match each mood stabilizer or second-generation antipsychotic used in the management of bipolar disorder with its most characteristic adverse effect profile, baseline monitoring requirement, or presentation of toxicity.

  • LithiumToxicity is characterized by coarse tremors, ataxia, and delirium; clearance is significantly reduced by concurrent NSAID or thiazide diuretic use.
  • ValproateAssociated with dose-dependent thrombocytopenia, hyperammonemic encephalopathy, and requires baseline liver function tests.
  • LamotrigineRequires slow up-titration over several weeks to minimize the risk of life-threatening dermatologic reactions; effective for bipolar depression.
  • QuetiapineCarries a high risk for metabolic syndrome, requiring baseline and routine monitoring of fasting lipids, glucose, and weight.

Answer

Lithium corresponds to NSAID interactions and coarse tremors. Valproate corresponds to hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia. Lamotrigine corresponds to slow titration to avoid severe rash. Quetiapine corresponds to metabolic syndrome monitoring.
Matching mood stabilizers to their profiles tests essential pharmacologic knowledge. Lithium causes neurologic toxicity exacerbated by renally active drugs. Valproate is hepatotoxic and suppresses platelets. Lamotrigine requires slow titration due to severe rash risk. Quetiapine commonly induces metabolic derangements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the clinical properties of lithium.
Lithium requires renal and thyroid monitoring; toxicity is characterized by coarse tremors and is worsened by NSAIDs and thiazides.
Lithium relies entirely on the kidneys for clearance.
2
Evaluate the clinical properties of valproate.
Valproate is associated with liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and hyperammonemia.
These specific adverse effects require baseline and periodic CBC and LFTs.
3
Evaluate the clinical properties of lamotrigine.
Lamotrigine has a black box warning for Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
This risk is mitigated by a strict, slow titration schedule.
4
Evaluate the clinical properties of quetiapine.
Quetiapine causes significant weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
It is a second-generation antipsychotic with high affinity for histaminergic and cholinergic receptors.

Key Concept

Pharmacologic management of bipolar disorder: adverse effects and monitoring
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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