Antidepressants & Antipsychotics

Question 1

What is the general mechanism of antipsychotic action?

Answer 1

Blockade of dopaminergic sites in the brain

Question 2

What are the major side effects of antipsychotics?

Answer 2

• Anticholinergic effects

- Extrapyramidal stimulation resulting in TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Question 3

What is the mechanism of the 2nd generation antipsychotic drugs (like clozapine)?

Answer 3

Block dopamine receptors but also serotonin (5-HT) receptors

Question 4

What are some of the other benefits of using 2nd generations antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 4

• Treats negative as well as positive symptoms

- Fewer extrapyramidal side effects like tardive dyskinesia

Question 5

What is the main mechanism of action for antidepressants?

Answer 5

Blockade of amine reuptake or alterations of receptor number
SSRI’s block serotonin reuptake selectivity

Question 6

What are the side effects of antidepressants?

Answer 6

Anticholinergic side effects

- like atropine

Question 7

What is the drug of choice for the manic phase of manic depression?

Answer 7

Lithium

Question 8

What are the most commonly used antidepressant medications?

Answer 8

1. 2nd generation antidepressants (SSRI’s like fluoxetine Prozac)
2. Tricyclic antidepressants - TCA’s
   but MAO inhibitors like tranylcypromine or phenylene are also used

Question 9

What class of drug is haloperidol and what is it’s mechanism?

Answer 9

Antipsychotics - blockade of dopaminergic sites in the brain

Question 10

What is tardive dyskinesia?

Answer 10

An irreversible condition that consists of involuntary movement of skeletal muscles, a condition which may be seen following prolonged use of drugs.

Question 11

Why do tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s) have a prominent side effect that most nearly resembles Atropine?

Answer 11

TCA’s are strong anticholinergics and atropine is an anticholinergic