Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Dopamine

Answer 1

involved in emotions/ thoughts/ decision making

↑ levels found in schizophrenia which manifests in poor decision making/ cognitive disability/ hallucinations with delusions

Question 2

Serotonin

Answer 2

Sleep regulation/ hunger/ changes of your mood states/ aggression and sexual behaviors

↓ levels found in bipolar, depression / ↑levels during bipolar mania

Question 3

Norepinephrine

Answer 3

has to do with SNS fight-or-flight response/ mood states/ attention/ arousal

Question 4

Histamine

Answer 4

Makes you alert/ also plays a role in stimulation of gastric secretions

Question 5

Acetylcholine

Answer 5

memory function/
wakefulness in muscle control

↓ levels in Alzheimer’s

Question 6

Glutamate

Answer 6

learning and memory

Question 7

GABA

Answer 7

gamma-Aminobutyric acid
→ inhibits neurons from firing which decreases anxiety

↓levels mean that neuron firing cannot be decreased leading to anxiety/ panic attacks

Question 8

7 S’s for SSRIs

Answer 8

• first line of defense for depression
• ANTIDEPRESSANTS
• also useful if pt. exhibits depression disorder

            1. Stomach upset 
    2. Serotonin Syndrome →muscle rigidity, 
                 flushing, ↓/↑ BP, diarrhea  
    3. Stress → agitation/ anxiety 
    4. Sleeping Disturbances ↓/↑ 
    5. Size ↑ (weight gain)
    6. Suicide Thought ↑ especially in 24 yrs 
                  and under 
    7. Sexual Dysfunction → ↓libido

Question 9

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)

Answer 9

Careful monitoring d/t life threatening risk of hypertensive crisis if low tyramine diet isn’t followed

Question 10

BENZODIAZEPINES

Answer 10

TX. for anxiety, insomnia, seizures and other disorders (eg. Xanax and Valium)

relax muscles and have a depressant effect

people w/ anxiety are more likely to be addictive to benzos; makes it harder for people to get out of depression and anxiety w/out this drug

elder patients who use this are at risk for falls if they become addictive to these meds cuz it slows down their reaction time

sedative hypnotic anxiolytics
Bind to benzodiazepine receptors, facilitates action of GABA, slowing neural transmission thus lowering anxiety

Highly addictive and often lead to over-use → medication must be tapered off to reduce withdrawal symptoms

Do not mix with alcohol → severe CNS depression

Question 11

BENZO ‘S SIDE EFFECT

Answer 11

Ataxia → lack of muscle control during voluntary movements 
Insomnia
Irritability
Dry mouth
Tremors 
Antegrade Amnesia → memory loss

Question 12

BENZO’S ADVERSE EFFECT

Answer 12

Convulsions
Confusion

Most benzo are short-acting drugs except Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Question 13

BUSPIRONE (BUSPAR)

Answer 13

• Anti-anxiety med
• Not addictive
• Must be taken every day
• Takes 2-3 weeks to take effect

Non-addictive atypical anxiolytic/non barbiturate

SE: Side effects
Dizziness/ nausea/ headache/ agitation/ lightheadedness

Question 14

ANTI ANXIETY Medications (A Anxiety)

Answer 14

A	Avoid abrupt stop after prolonged use 
	A	Addiction and tolerance will develop
	N	Not given to renal/hepatic compromised 
                pt, or hx of drug abuse
	X	Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin
	I	Increased in 3D’s → dizziness, 
                drowsiness, and decreased BP
	E	Enhances action of GABA
	T	Teach to get up slowly → orthostatic 
                hypotension 
	Y	Yes, avoid alcohol