Pharmacology - Drugs (Serotonin and Dopamine)

Question 1

Give two examples of direct acting D1 dopamine drugs?

Answer 1

METHYLDOPA

• used to lower blood pressure

LEVODOPA

• Used to control tremors in Parkinsons.

Question 2

Give two examples of indirect acting D1 dopamine drugs?

Answer 2

AMANTADINE

• Used in Parkinson’s disease to reduce tremors by boosting dopamine pathways and reducing glutamate pathways.

ENTRACAPONE

• used in Parkinson’s disease to control tremors by prolonging dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain.

Question 3

Give 3 examples of D2 dopamine drugs?

Answer 3

PHENOTHAIZINES

• Potent sedatives but can often exert ADRS with cholinergic blocking actions. Used for dizziness, nausea and migraine.

RISPERIDONE

• Used for short time management for severe anxiety.

BUPROPRION

• Used as an anti - depressant and aids in reducing cravings e.g. nicotine.

Question 4

Name 4 drugs that are direct acting serotonin drugs.

Answer 4

AMPHETAMINE

• Mood elevating effects and some hallucinogenic effects. CNS high.

MODAFANIL

• To combat day time sleepiness sometimes caused by dopamine modulating drugs.

METHYLEPHENIDATE

• Stimulant for ADHD. Especially in children with over active/attention seeking cortical pathways.

LSD

• Raises cardiac output and blood pressure. Illegal in the uk.

Question 5

Name 3 drugs that are indirect acting serotonin drugs.

Answer 5

FLUOXETINE

• Blocks re uptake of serotonin and has mood elevating effects by boosting epinephrine levels. Used as an anti - depressant.

DULOXETINE

• Used as an anti- depressant and also for other stress related conditions.

SIBUTRAMINE

• Used as a appetite suppressant in treatment of obesity and as an anti - depressant drug so can counter depression related to over-eating.