Biological treatment of Schizophrenia - Drug Therapy Flashcards
what does drug treatment aim to do?
alter dopamine levels in order to reduce symptoms
how do the drugs work?
by affecting the D2 receptors in the brain
2 types of antipsychotics
typical anti-psychotics
atypical anti-psychotics
name a typical anti-psychotic
chlorpromazine
name 2 atypical anti-psychotics
clozapine
risperidone
how is chlorpromazine taken?
tablets
syrup
injection
chlorpromazine - dosage
oral - 100mg daily
gradual increase to 400-500mg
how does chlorpromazine affect dopamine levels?
it’s a antagonist in dopamine system
blocks dopamine receptors
decreasing levels
what happens in the patients body when they start to take chlorpromazine?
dopamine levels rise
body adjusts to drug by lowering dopamine production
what other neurotransmitters are affected when chlorpromazine is taken?
histamine receptors
What Sz symptoms are treated when taking chlorpromazine?
positive symptoms
e.g. hallucinations
what is a beneficial effect of taking chlorpromazine ?
sedative effect (from histamine)
calms patients w/ and w/o Sz
how is clozapine taken?
tablets
NO injection unless regular blood tests are taken
(fatal side effects)
clozapine - dosage
300-450mg a day
how does clozapine affect dopamine levels?
temporarily blocks dopamine receptors
decreasing levels
what other neurotransmitters are affected when clozapine is taken?
serotonin + glutamate receptors
what Sz symptoms are treated when clozapine is taken?
helps regulate moods:
reduce anxiety + depression
improves cognitive function + suicide risks
when is clozapine offered?
if one is treatment resistant after trying 2 other drugs
how is risperidone taken?
tablets, syrup, injection
injection lasts 2 weeks
risperidone - dosage
small dose
gradual increase from 4-8mg
maximum 12mg
how does risperidone affect dopamine levels?
binds w/ dopamine + serotonin receptors
what symptoms are treated when risperidone is taken?
as effective as clozapine but w/o serious side effects
effective is smaller doses
chlorpromazine - initial side effects
dizziness
sleepiness
weight gain
chlorpromazine - long term side effects
tardive dyskinesia
shown in grimacing + lip smaking
clozapine - side effects
risk of agranulocytosis
fatal blood condition
