Pharm quiz Flashcards
What do all antipsychotics do? Where in the brain do they work?
Antagonize D2; mesolimbic
What are acute and chronic conditions associated with lithium use?
Acute: acute renal failure, seizure, coma, death
Chronic: chronic renal insufficiency (or is it just us getting old?), hypothyroidism
Side effects of stimulants
GI and headache (transient), insomnia, growth concerns, cardiac (monitor pulse and BP), tics
What is amitriptyline used for? Imipramine? What is the name for this class of medications?
Amitriptyline - insomnia, neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis
Imipramine - pediatric enuresis after non-pharm strategies fail
Tricyclic antidepressants, tertiary amines
Acamprosate
NMDA receptor antagonist
Decreases cravings but has psych AEs
Rx in alcohol use disorder
Aripirazole
atypical antipsychotic; has low levels of D2, 5HT, M2/3, and a1 effects
On which types of receptors do tricyclic antidepressants act?
Antidepressant effect - NE, 5HT
Also histamine, muscarinic, alpha –> helpful for neuropathic pain, insomnia, headache prophylaxis, but also AE
How do benzodiazepines work?
Act on GABA-A receptor –> Cl- released –> hyper polarization –> reduced rate of firing –> anxiolysis
Increase the POTENCY of GABA, do not increase its effectiveness
Can develop tolerance (go back to baseline signal output and anxiety) and withdrawal (anxiety/panic, insomnia, tachycardia/HTN, tremors)
Addictive sedatives
Alc, benzos, barbs
Cross tolerance among 3
Sertraline
SSRI
Acts on presynaptic serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) + decreasing responsiveness of 5HT auto receptors –> increase serotonin concentration in synapse
Dose-related QTc prolongation, 1st line in pregnancy & lactation
Duloxetine
SNRI
Acts on NE and 5HT
Imipramine
Tricyclic antidepressant
Acts on NE, 5HT, histamine, muscarinic, and alpha receptors
Dextroamphetamine
NDRI (DA/NE/5HT RI)
Zolpidem
“Z drug”
GABA-A receptor positive modulator that is highly selective for the a1 subunit
Mediate sedation/hypnosis
What are some drug-drug interactions to look out for with lithium?
NSAIDs, ACEis/ARBs, diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide)
What are hormonal effects of D2 inhibition and why do these happen? (brain region)
Messing w/ tubulofundibular pathway that connects hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Leads to increased prolactin, gynecomastia, amennorhea, and decreased libido
Buspirone + MOA
5HT-1A agonist, agonizes the inhibitory presynaptic 5HT1 serotonin auto receptor
Used for anxiety, decreased potential for addiction
Which benzodiazepines do NOT have active metabolites?
The LOT drugs: lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam
Active metabolites = compounds that produce sedation
Venlafaxine
SNRI
Acts on NE and 5HT
What are some AEs of SNRIs?
Hypertension, tachycardia, diaphoresis
Mirtazapine + adverse effects
5HT, alpha, & histamine receptor affinity
Adverse effects: sedation, weight gain, blood dyscrasia (rare)
Commonly used in elderly
Fluoxetine
SSRI
Acts on presynaptic serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) + decreasing responsiveness of 5HT auto receptors –> increase serotonin concentration in synapse
Longest half life of the SSRIs
What are drug interactions to look for with benzodiazepine use?
Synergistic with ethanol and other CNS depressants like barbiturates, can be fatal
Buproprion + uses
Amphetamine-like structure, lowers seizure threshold
Inhibits reuptake of DA and NE
Used for smoking cessation, mild-moderate ADHD, anxiety, AD-associated sexual dysfunction, bipolar depression