Neuropsychopharmacology Part 2: Antimanic, Antianxiety, Hypnotics, Muscle Relaxants

Question 1

lithium: what it is, mechanism

Answer 1

• antimanic (treats bipolar disorder)
• blocks the phosphatase that converts IP2 to IP1, which blocks the recycling of inositol substrates and therefore reduces release of IP3 and DAG

Question 2

carbamazepine: what it is, mechanism

Answer 2

• antiseizure agent used for bipolar disorder

- blocks sodium channels and inhibits the generation of repetitive action potentials

Question 3

valproic acid: what it is, mechanism, side effect

Answer 3

• antiseizure agent used for bipolar disorder
• blocks repetitive neuronal firing
• side effects: teratogenicity (spina bifida)

Question 4

side effect: increased risk of spina bifida

Answer 4

valproic acid

Question 5

antiseizure agents used for long-term control of bipolar disorder (2)

Answer 5

carbamazepine, valproic acid

Question 6

alprazolam: what it is, mechanism, onset of action

Answer 6

• benzodiazepine anxiolytic
• GABA enhancement
• rapid onset of action (minutes)

Question 7

diazepam: what it is, mechanism, duration of action, use other than major use

Answer 7

• benzodiazepine anxiolytic
• GABA enhancement
• long duration of action
• muscle relaxant

Question 8

buspirone: what it is, mechanism, advantage over benzodiazepines, onset of action

Answer 8

• antianxiety agent that is NOT a benzodiazepine
• partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors
• less sedating than benzodiazepines
• therapeutic effects may take 1-2 weeks or more

Question 9

• antianxiety agent that is NOT a benzodiazepine
• partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors
• less sedating than benzodiazepines
• therapeutic effects may take 1-2 weeks or more

Answer 9

buspirone

Question 10

• benzodiazepine anxiolytic
• GABA enhancement
• rapidly absorbed
• long duration of action
• muscle relaxant

Answer 10

diazepam

Question 11

• benzodiazepine anxiolytic
• GABA enhancement
• rapid onset of action (minutes)

Answer 11

alprazolam

Question 12

chlordiazepoxide

Answer 12

benzodiazepine prescribed for alcohol withdrawal

Question 13

benzodiazepine prescribed for alcohol withdrawal

Answer 13

chlordiazepoxide

Question 14

effects of benzodiazepines (flurazepam) on sleep

Answer 14

increase stage 1 and 2 sleep, decrease stage 3, 4, and REM sleep

Question 15

benzodiazepine used primarily as a hypnotic (treatment for insomnia)

Answer 15

flurazepam

Question 16

adverse effects common to all benzodiazepines

Answer 16

daytime sedation, ataxia, rebound insomnia, dependence

Question 17

zolpidem: use, mechanism, advantages over benzodiazepines

Answer 17

• treats insomnia
• binds omega-1 BDZ receptor
• less disruption of sleep architecture, no daytime sedation

Question 18

drugs used to treat muscle spasticity (3)

Answer 18

diazepam, baclofen, tizanidine

Question 19

diazepam for muscle spasticity: mechanism, side effect

Answer 19

• enhances action of GABA at GABA-A receptor Cl- channel complex
• produces sedation

Question 20

baclofen: use, mechanism, positive aspect

Answer 20

• treats muscle spasticity
• GABA-B receptor agonist
• as effective as diazepam with less sedation

Question 21

tizanidine: use, mechanism

Answer 21

• treats muscle spasticity

- alpha2-adrenergic agonist

Question 22

benzodiazepines: mechanism

Answer 22

increases chloride conduction by opening GABAA receptor associated with chloride ion channel –> hyperpolarization –> increases inhibition, decreases excitation

Question 23

benzodiazepine that does not form active metabolites

Answer 23

lorazepam

Question 24

drugs used to treat insomnia

Answer 24

benzodiazepines (flurazepam), zolpidem, and chloral hydrate

Question 25

flurazepam

Answer 25

benzodiazepine used primarily as a hypnotic (treatment for insomnia)

Question 26

• treats muscle spasticity
• GABA-B receptor agonist
• as effective as diazepam with less sedation

Answer 26

baclofen

Question 27

binds omega-1 BDZ receptor

Answer 27

zolpidem

Question 28

chloral hydrate: use

Answer 28

treats insomnia