CNS Pharmacology Part 2 Flashcards
What is the most common form of psychosis?
schizophrenia
Schizophrenia appears to be caused by an overactivity of ______________ pathways in certain areas of the brain.
dopamine
What are traditional or first generation antipsychotic meds?
strong antagonists of specific dopamine receptors
What are atypical or second generation antipsychotic meds?
weak antagonists of dopamine receptors
strong antagonists of specific serotonin receptors
appear to have fewer risks and fewer side effects than traditional meds
What are extrapyramidal adverse effects of antipsychotics?
tardive dyskinesia
pseudoparkinsonism
akathisia
dyskinesia and dystonias
neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Extrapyramidal symptoms are associated with ______________.
traditional antipsychotics
What are other adverse effects of antipsychotics?
sedation
anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth)
orthostatic hypotension
photosensitivity
What are therapist considerations for antipsychotics?
changes in behavior
assess for adverse effects
potential movement disorders
What is the potential cause of epilepsy?
the presence of a group of “irritable” or hyperexcitable neurons located in the cerebral cortex
spontaneous discharge of these neurons results in seizure
What is a general seizure?
the whole brain is involved
What is a focal seizure?
involves specific part of the brain
What is the goal of antiseizure medications?
suppress excitability of neurons
What are the two strategies to suppress excitability of neurons?
increase activity of inhibitory neurons
decrease activity of excitatory neurons
What are classes of first generation antiseizure medications?
barbiturate
benzodiazepine
hydantoins
iminostilbenes
succinimides
valproates
Barbiturates are effective in treating which types of seizures? How?
generalized tonic-clonic
simple and complex partial (focal) seizures
increases inhibitory effect of GABA
What are side effects of barbiturates?
nystagmus
ataxia
folate deficiency
vitamin K deficiency
increase in seizures and hyperactivity may occur in children
When are benzodiazepines used?
acute treatment of status epilepticus