Pharmacology - Psychiatry

Question 1

How do monamine oxidase inhibitors work? Give an example of one

Answer 1

Slow down breakdown of neurotransmitters by inhibiting MAO enzyme
Phenelzine

Question 2

List some TCA’s

Answer 2

Amitriptyline
Clomipramine
Imipramine
Dosulepin

Question 3

List some SSRI’s

Answer 3

Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Citalopram
Sertraline

Question 4

Whereabouts in the synapse do MAO inhibitors act?

Answer 4

Presynaptic terminal

Question 5

Whereabouts in the synapse do TCA’s act?

Answer 5

Synaptic cleft

Question 6

Whereabouts in the synapse do SSRI’s act?

Answer 6

Presynaptic terminal

Question 7

Which SSRI’s can inhibit CYP450 system?

Answer 7

Fluoxetine

Paroxetine

Question 8

List some adverse effects of SSRI’s

Answer 8

Sexual dysfunction
GI disturbance
Short-term anxiety

Question 9

List some adverse effects of TCA’s

Answer 9

Constipation
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Postural hypotension

Question 10

Which class of drug are major tranquilizers - antipsychotics or benzodiazepines?

Answer 10

Antipsychotics

Question 11

What is the general overall mechanism of benzodiazepines?

Answer 11

Act at GABA receptor mediate its inhibitory effect

Question 12

List the pharmacological clinical effects of benzodiazepines

Answer 12

Reduce anxiety and aggression
Hypnosis, sedation
Muscle relaxation
Anticonvulsant effect

Question 13

Which BZD acts as a GABA receptor antagonist and what is its effect on anxiety?

Answer 13

Flumazenil

Increases anxiety

Question 14

Some people can develop tolerance to BZD’s - what is the significance of this?

Answer 14

The doses that work for them can be lethal in normal people

Question 15

List the clinical effects of rapid withdrawal of BZD’s

Answer 15

Confusion, psychosis
Insomnia
Anxiety
Appetite + weight loss