Can you identify these newer drugs indicated for neurologic and psychiatric disorders? Match the medications in Section I with the description in Section II.

Section I

_____ 1. Aptiom (Sunovion Pharmaceuticals)

_____ 2. Lemtrada (Genzyme)

_____ 3. Nymalize (Arbor Pharmaceuticals)

_____ 4. Fetzima (Forest Laboratories)

Section II

a. alemtuzumab. A new parenteral monoclonal antibody, this drug is indicated to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It's given once daily as a 4-hour I.V. infusion for two treatment courses. Because of the risk of potentially serious autoimmune reactions, infusion reactions, and malignancies, this medication is available only via a restricted access program.

b. eslicarbazepine acetate. This once-daily oral medication is indicated as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures. Monitor patients for suicidal ideation, serious dermatologic and hypersensitivity reactions, hyponatremia, and neurologic signs and symptoms such as dizziness and ataxia.

c. nimodipine. A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, this oral solution is indicated to reduce the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits following a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It should be started within 96 hours of the SAH. Give it by mouth, gastric tube, or nasogastric tube 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or feeding to avoid impaired absorption.

d. levomilnacipran. Indicated for major depressive disorder in adults, this extended-release serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor is taken once a day. It carries a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Teach patients to swallow each dose whole, without opening, chewing, or crushing the capsule.

Resources available on request.

ANSWERS: 1b, 2a, 3c, 4d