Antipsychotics Flashcards
What is an anti-psychotic?
A drug used for mood stabilization and when psychotic features are present.
Where do “negative” symptoms come from?
Mesocortical - brain stem to cerebral cortex.
Caused by “too little” dopamine.
Where do “positive” symptoms come from?
Mesolimbic - brain stem to limbic system.
Caused by “too much” dopamine.
What is a Typical Antipsychotics?
D2 dopamine receptor antagonists.
Higher risk of side effects, but most useful. (Older type)
What is an Atypical Antipsychotic?
Serotonin-dopamine 2 antagonists (SDAs)
atypical because they affect BOTH dopamine and serotonine
What are the 4 key dopamine pathways in the brain?
Mesocortical
Mesolimbic
Nigrostriatal
Tuberoinfundibular
What are the most common side-effects of atypical antipsychotics? (2)
Weight gain
Sedation
List the 3 main side-effect conditions that may arise from the use of anti-psychotics:
- Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Extrapyramidal Side Effects (EPS)
What is the efficacy of using antipsychotics?
1/3 good response
1/3 alright response
1/3 no response
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Involvoluntary muscle movements that may not resolve with drug discontinuation.
(5% risk annually)
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
- Severe Muscle Rigidity
- FEVER
- Altered mental status
- Autonomic instability
- Elevated WBC, CPK and LFTs
“Think cold turkey”
What are Extrapyramydal Side Effects?
Acute Dystonia
Parkinsonian Syndrome
Akathasia (Leg shakes)
What are benzodiazapenes used to treat?
Insomnia
Parasomnias
Anxiety Disorders
* CNS Depressant Withdrawal (i.e. alcoholism) *
What are the side effects of Benzodiazapines?
- Dependence
- Somnolence
- Cognitive Deficits
- Amnesia
- Tolerance
