Monitoring & Labs
Quick checklists for common medications. Verify against current guidelines and labels.
Lithium (Li\u207a)
- Baseline: BMP (BUN/Cr), electrolytes, TSH, pregnancy test (if relevant), weight/BMI
- Level timing: 12‑h trough (or pre‑AM dose if BID)
- Level cadence: 5–7 days after dose change; then q3–6 months when stable
- Ongoing: Renal and thyroid function periodically; assess for toxicity signs
- Counsel: Hydration, salt intake consistency, DDI (NSAIDs/ACE‑I/diuretics)
Sources: FDA label; AGNP TDM consensus; local guidelines.
Valproate (divalproex)
- Baseline: LFTs, CBC with platelets, pregnancy test (if relevant), weight/BMI
- Level timing: 12‑h trough (ER may differ); target 50–125 µg/mL (clinical context)
- Ongoing: LFTs/CBC periodically; assess metabolic effects and sedation
- Precautions: Teratogenicity counseling; pancreatitis/hepatotoxicity warnings
- DDI: Enzyme interactions (UGT), lamotrigine titration adjustments
Sources: FDA label; AGNP TDM consensus; guideline statements.
Carbamazepine
- Baseline: CBC (WBC/ANC), LFTs, sodium; consider HLA‑B*1502 in at-risk ancestry
- Ongoing: CBC/LFTs and sodium periodically; assess for rash and hyponatremia
- Levels: Consider trough levels in selected cases; strong CYP inducer → many DDIs
- Counsel: Contraception interactions; report rash/fever promptly
Sources: FDA label; guideline recommendations; pharmacogenetics advisories.
Clozapine
- ANC monitoring: Weekly ×6 mo → q2w ×6 mo → monthly thereafter (per current label)
- Metabolic: Weight/BMI, fasting lipids/glucose at baseline, 3 mo, then periodically
- Clinical: Monitor for infection; inflammation can raise levels; smoking lowers levels
- Early myocarditis vigilance: Follow local guidance (e.g., symptoms; some protocols include troponin/CRP early)
Sources: FDA/DailyMed labeling; consensus monitoring schedules.
Antipsychotics — general
- Baseline: Weight/BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting lipids & glucose/A1c
- Follow‑up: Weight/BMI q4–12 weeks during titration; fasting lipids & glucose/A1c at 3 months, then annually if stable
- EPS: Assess for parkinsonism/akathisia/tardive dyskinesia periodically
- QTc: ECG if risk factors or higher‑risk agents/combos
- Counsel: Lifestyle supports; metabolic risk discussion; DDIs that raise levels/QTc
Sources: Major guidelines; ADA/APA metabolic monitoring statements.
Haloperidol (FGA)
LAI basics (long‑acting injectables)
- Intervals: Aripiprazole (q4–8wk), Paliperidone (q4–26wk variants), Risperidone (q2wk), Haloperidol (q4wk), Fluphenazine (q2–4wk), Olanzapine (q2–4wk)
- Oral overlap: Required for some LAIs (e.g., aripiprazole, risperidone); follow product‑specific guidance
- Sites: Deltoid or gluteal per product; rotate sites
- Observation: Olanzapine pamoate — post‑injection observation recommended in labeling
- Storage/handling: Per product; ensure proper reconstitution and needle size
Sources: FDA/DailyMed labeling; manufacturer administration guides.
Educational only — not medical advice. Verify specifics against guidelines and labeling.