Psychiatric Medications

Question 1

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer 1

• inhibits reuptake of serotonin
• primarily used for depression
• adverse effects: sexual dysfunction, nausea, headache, weight gain, insomnia, serotonin syndrome

Question 2

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer 2

• inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin to elevate mood
• may effect dopamine levels
• adverse effects same as SSRIs but more due to norepinephrine blockage

Question 3

Norepinephrine - Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

Answer 3

• bupropion (Wellbutrin) is only med in this category
• doesn’t affect sexual function
• contraindicated in patients with seizures

Question 4

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Answer 4

• blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
• primarily used for depression and insomnia
• adverse effects: orthostatic hypotension, sedation, anticholinergic side effects, weight gain, cardiac dysrhythmias
• adverse effects are frequent

Question 5

MAO Inhibitors

Answer 5

• decrease effectiveness of MAO which breaks down serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine
• adverse effects: orthostatic hypotension, headache, insomnia, diarrhea
• interacts with tyramine (cheese, wine, pickled food) which can result in hypertensive crisis

Question 6

Mood Stabilizers (Lithium)

Answer 6

• acts on CNS by affecting sodium transport across cell membranes
• primarily used to treat bipolar disorder
• excessive sodium loss is adverse effect, monitor diet

Question 7

Most effective mood stabilizers

Answer 7

• anti-seizure medications

- atypical antipsychotics

Question 8

CNS Stimulants

Answer 8

methylphenidate (Ritalin)

• heightens awareness, focus, concentration
• decreases hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour
• increases dopamine levels in brain
• primarily used to treat ADHD
• adverse effects: insomnia, nervousness, anorexia, weight loss

Question 9

Antidepressants for Anxiety

Answer 9

• SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, atypical antidepressants

Question 10

Benzodiazepines

Answer 10

• binds to GABA receptor-chloride channel molecule which increases GABA effects
• primarily used for anxiety and insomnia
• adverse effects: drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression
• sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal

Question 11

Barbiturates

Answer 11

• binds with GABA receptor-chloride channel molecules, which increases GABA effects
• inhibits brain impulses from passing through limbic and reticular activating systems
• primarily used for sedation and as a hypnotic
• adverse effects: tolerance, respiratory depression, physical and psychological dependence

Question 12

Non-Phenothiazines

Answer 12

• blocks dopamine 2 receptor
• primarily used for severe mental illness, treats positive symptoms
• adverse effects: acute dystonia, sedation, hypotension, anticholinergic effect, secondary Parkinsonism, akathisia, disparity, NMS, sexual dysfunction, tar dive dyskinesia

Question 13

Atypical Antipsychotic

Answer 13

• blocks dopamine 2 receptors, serotonin, and alpha-adrenergic receptors
• primarily used for severe mental illness, treats positive and negative symptoms
• adverse effects: fewer than typical, EPS
  with risperidone may experience weight gain and hyperglycaemia

Question 14

Medications for depression

Answer 14

• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• MAOIs

Question 15

Medications for bipolar disorder

Answer 15

• Mood stabilizers (lithium)
• Anti-seizure meds
• atypical antipsychotics

Question 16

Medications for anxiety

Answer 16

• antidepressants
• benzodiazepines
• non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics
• barbiturates

Question 17

Medications for psychosis

Answer 17

• conventional/typical: phenothiazines and non-phenothiazines
• atypical