Drug therapy

Question 1

Antipsychotics

Answer 1

drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms, in particular the positive symptoms, of psychotic conditions like schizophrenia

Question 2

Typical antipsychotics

Answer 2

• first generation - 1950s
• Chlorpromazine - tablets, syrup or injection
• max 1000mg
• strong association between use of Chlorpromazine and dopamine hypothesis
• work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system – chemicals which reduce action of a neurotransmitter
• effective sedative

Question 3

How do dopamine antagonists work?

Answer 3

• block dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine
• normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, reducing symptoms like hallucinations

Question 4

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer 4

• developed after typical antipsychotics
• typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
• Clozapine
• Risperidone

Question 5

Clozapine

Answer 5

• have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis
• typically 300-450mg a day
• binds to dopamine receptors in the same way Chlorpromazine does, but in addition it acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
• helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients, and that may improve cognitive functioning
• prescribed to patients is considered at high risk of suicide

Question 6

Risperidone

Answer 6

• attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine but without its serious effects
• tablets, syrup, injection that lasts up to 2 weeks
• small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typically daily dose of 4-8mg and max of 12mg