Physiology (Psychopharmacology) Flashcards
Several terms are used to describe the effects of the psychoactive drugs: For example, _____ produce effects similar to those produced by a neurotransmitter, while _____ produce no activity on their own but reduce or block the effects of a neurotransmitter
agonists; antagonists
Because of the increased risk for adverse side effects, a general rules when prescribing for older adults and members of ethnic minority groups is to ______
start low and go slow
The traditional antipsychotic drugs are used primarily as a treatment for _____ and are especially effective for alleviating _____ symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations
schizophrenia; positive
Research on the effects of the traditional antipsychotic drugs provides support for the dopamine hypothesis, which attributes schizophrenia to ______ to dopamine or excessive dopamine levels
oversensitivity
traditional antipsychotic drugs are associated with several undesirable side-effects including ______ effects (e.g. dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision) and extrapyramidal symptoms
anticholinergic
of extrapyramidal symptoms, _____ is the most serious side-effect but its symptoms may eventually decrease is the drug is _______
tardive dyskinesia; gradually withdrawn
Neuroleptic ____ is characterized by a rapid onset of muscle rigidity, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and altered consciousness
malignant syndrome
The atypical antipsychotic drugs (e.g., clozapine) are associated with several advantages. They alleviate both the _____ symptoms of schizophrenia and are often effective when traditional drugs have failed
positive and negative
atypical antipsychotics are less likely to produce ____ and other extrapyramidal side effects (except akathisia). However, they can cause _____ or other blood dyscrasias
tardive dyskinesia; agranulocytosis
The antidepressants include the TCAs, SSRIs, and MAOIs. The TCAs exert their effects by blocking the reuptake of _____, serotonin, and/or dopamine. Their effects on the former support the ______ hypothesis
norepinephrine; catecholamine
Undesirable side-effects of TCAs include _____ effects (blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation), weight gain, drowsiness, and confusion
anticholinergic
TCAs are also _____ and can cause hypertension, extreme hypotension, and tachycardia
cardiotoxic
The SSRIs are particularly effective for ____ depression
melancholic;
SSRIs are less cardiotoxic than the TCAs, are safer in _____ and are less likely to produce ____ impairments
overdose; cognitive
The SSRIs exert their effects by blocking the reuptake of ______
serotonin
The MAOIs are most effective for _____ depressions
non-endogenous and atypical
The most dangerous side-effect of MAOIs is hypertensive crisis, which can occur when an MAOI is taken in conjunction with certain drugs or food containing ______
Tryamine
Lithium is the drug-treatment-of-choice for “classic” _______
Bipolar Disorder
To avoid toxicity when taking lithium, patients must be careful to avoid fluctuations in their _____ intake and to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics
salt (sodium)
Carbamazepine is an _____ drug that has been found to have similar effects on manic symptoms as lithium and may be more beneficial than lithium for people who experience ____ or who have dysphoric mania
anticonvulsant; frequent mood swings
The sedative-hypnotics are generalized _____ depressants and include the barbiturates and anxiolytics
CNS
The effects of the sedative-hypnotics are synergistic, and they also produce cross-_____
tolerance
The barbiturates are now rarely prescribed because of their adverse effects. Their use causes a decrease in REM sleep, and abrupt cessation can produce an REM ____ and nightmares
rebound
The benzodiazepines are the most commonly-prescribed anxiolytic. They are associated with severe adverse side effects including drowsiness, lethargy, slurred speech, and _____ (lack of muscle coordination)
ataxia
The euphoric feelings produced by the benzodiazepines results in psychological dependence, and chronic use can result in the development of ____ and physical dependence
tolerance
Withdrawal of benzodiazepines can produce rebound
hyperexcitability
Propranolol and other beta-blockers are used to treat cardiovascular disease, tremor, and migraine headache and have been useful for reducing the ______ symptoms of anxiety
physical
Propranolol and other beta blockers should not be discontinued ____ because doing so can cause sweating, headache, tremulousness, and cardiac arrhythmia
abruptly
The narcotic-analgesics have both sedative and analgesic effects. Research on the effects of these drugs led to the discovery of natural _____ receptors in the spinal cord and brain
opioid
Chronic use of narcotic-analgesics results in tolerance and _____ dependence
psychological and physcial
Amphetamines are currently used to treat ______ and ADHD, while methylphenidate is used to treat the latter disorder
narcolepsy
Common side-effects of methylphenidate include decreased ______, insomnia, and dysphoria
appetite
Higher doses of methylphenidate may cause ____ suppression, but occasional _____ can help minimize this effect
growth; drug holidays
methylphenidate is contraindicated for people with pre-existing motor tics or a family history of _______
Tourette’s Disorder
Disulfiram and naltrexone are both used to prevent alcohol use. Disulfiram does so by causing ____ that deter the individual from drinking, while naltrexone blocks the _____ and reinforcing effects of alcohol
unpleasant reactions (symptoms); craving for
PCTs are conducted to determine the effectiveness of interventions in typical _____
community settings
PCTs tend to be large, _____ trials with hundreds, if not thousands of participants
simple
TDM is used in clinical practice to optimize medication regimens by maintaining a specific ____ level in the bloodstream
concentration
Three main types of genetic screening techniques are utilized to identify any abnormalities in chromosome structure, protein sequences, or DNA structure: cytogenetic, biochemical, and ______
molecular
A 72-year-old man is prescribed lithium for Bipolar Disorder. In terms of side effects, the man can most likely expect which of the following?
fine hand tremor
A(n) __________ does not produce a response on its own but interferes with or prevents the action of a neurotransmitter.
antagonist
Drugs that block the activity of __________ produce dry mouth, blurred vision, postural hypotension, urinary retention, and tachycardia.
ACh
In comparison to the tricyclics, fluoxetine and other SSRIs:
are less cardiotoxic
The atypical neuroleptic clozapine (Clozaril):
has a slower (longer) onset of therapeutic effects than the traditional neuroleptics do.
Therapeutic drug monitoring relies on measuring specific drugs to maintain a concentration in the patient’s bloodstream for what purpose?
Optimize dosage regimens
