Antipsychotics (Exam #1) Flashcards
“Positive” symptoms are due to ___-active DA in which specific pathway? What are two examples of these sxs?
OVER-active DA pathways in MESOLIMBIC system
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
“Negative” symptoms are due to ___-active DA in which specific pathway? What are two examples of these sxs?
UNDER-active DA pathways in MESOCORTICAL system (frontal cortex)
- Withdrawn
- Depressed
What is the start and end point of the Mesolimbic DA pathway, and what is it primarily involved in?
VTA → Limbic system
- Emotions
What is the start and end point of the Mesocortical DA pathway, and what is it primarily involved in?
VTA → Frontal cortex
- Cognition
What is the start and end point of the Nigrostriatal DA pathway, and what is it primarily involved in?
SN → Striatum
- Motor
What is the start and end point of the Tuberoinfundibular DA pathway, and what is it primarily involved in?
Hypothalamus → Pituitary
- Prolactin
What are the two classes of antipsychotics? What receptor type(s) does each act on, what DA pathway(s) are targeted, and what symptoms are alleviated with each?
“Classical” = “neuroleptics”
- Block D2
- Mesolimbic system = positive sxs
Atypical
- Block 5-HT, D4 and D2
- Mesolimbic AND Mesocortical systems = positive sxs AND negative sxs
What is an important characteristic that should be considered with all antipsychotics (and possibly relayed to the patient)?
Delayed onset of effects (~6 weeks)
Most antipsychotics also act on which three receptor types? How does this affect AEs?
Histamine
- Sedation
Muscarinic
- Anticholinergic = dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia, constipation
Adrenergic (alpha)
- CV (postural hypotension)
What is a major AE associated with antipsychotics, and what DA pathway does it work through? How do you treat these AEs?
Are classical or atypical antipsychotics more associated with this AE?
Extrapyramidal sxs (EPS) - Nigrostriatal pathway = Parkinson's-like sxs
Treat with anticholinergics (ex. Benztropine) to restore ACh/DA balance
Seen MORE with Classical
Are classical or atypical antipsychotics more associated with this EPS, and what type of sxs might be seen?
CLASSICAL = more EPS
- Parkinson’s-like (tremor, rigidity, dyskinesias, rocking, pacing)
What AE of antipsychotics involves choreiform? What two antipsychotics should be used because they are less likely to cause this AE?
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Less TD:
- Clozapine
- Olanzepine
What is a life-threatening AE associated with antipsychotics, and what two symptoms might be seen? How do you treat these AEs?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Hyperpyrexia
- Changes in BP/HR
Treat with Dantrolene
How does the level of anticholinergic effects of an antipsychotic affect the incidence of EPS?
HIGHER anticholinergic effects = less EPS incidence
What antipsychotic drug is associated with lower incidence of EPS, and why?
Chlorpromazine
- HIGH anticholinergic effects = less EPS