3. Antipsychotic drugs

Question 1

What are antipsychotic drugs used to treat?

Answer 1

Symptoms of psychoses

Question 2

Classes of antipsychotic drug

Answer 2

1. Typical (first generation) (High potency): Haloperidol

2. Atypical (second generation): Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Aripipazole

Question 3

MOA of typical antipsychotic drugs (Haloperidol)

Answer 3

Dopamine-specific antagonism (D2 receptor)

Question 4

Adverse effects of typical antipsychotic drugs (Haloperidol)

Answer 4

1. Extrapyramidal reactions (blocks dopamine)
2. Sedation
3. Anticholinergic (blocks acetylcholine)
4. Rare cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 5

MOA of atypical antipsychotic drugs

Answer 5

1. D2 receptor antagonism (less pronounced than that of FGAs)
2. 5-HT2A receptor antagonism
3. Interaction with several other receptors (i.e., D3, D4, α-adrenergic, and H1 receptors)
4. Aripiprazole is a partial D2 agonist

Question 6

Adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs

Answer 6

1. Clozapine- agranulocytosis in 2% of patients, weight gain, sedation
2. Olanzapine- weight gain and sedation
3. Risperidone - EPS (dose dependent), weight gain
4. Quetiapine- weight gain

Question 7

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 7

1. Delusion (abnormal belief)
2. Hallucination
3. Disorganised thinking, speech and behaviour

Question 8

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 8

1. Avolition
2. Affect flattening
3. Inability to plan
4. Poor concentration

Question 9

Duration of disturbances of schizophrenia

Answer 9

6 months

Question 10

Deterioration in _________ function is seen in schizophrenia

Answer 10

social/occupational