Psychiatry Drugs

Question 1

Name three cholinesterase inhibitors.

Which diseases are these used in?

Answer 1

Donepezil
Rivastigmine
Galantamine

Mild-moderate AD
Dementia with Lewy bodies

Question 2

Why are cholinesterase inhibitors used in dementia?

Answer 2

Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs, inhibit AChE activity, thus maintain ACh level by decreasing its breakdown rate. Therefore, they boost cholinergic neurotransmission in forebrain regions and compensate for the loss of functioning brain cells.

Question 3

Which is the most widely used cholinesterase inhibitor?

Answer 3

Donepezil

Question 4

Which cholinesterase inhibitor is often prescribed as a patch and why?

Answer 4

Rivastigmine - fewer SEs

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors?

Answer 5

Question 6

What other drug apart from cholinesterase inhibitor an be used for AD?

What is its MOA?

Answer 6

Memantine

Is an NMDA receptor antagonist.

Glutamate is NT - important function in memory and learning. If you have AD - cells can make too much glutumate –> xs calcium –> damage to cells. NMDA receptor antagonists block the actio of glutamate at the receptors - but still let some signals flow between cells.

Question 7

What is it important to remember about antipsychotics and DLB?

Answer 7

Ps with DLB can have profound reactions to low doses of antipsychotics. Can make their symptoms much worse.

Question 8

When are antidepressants used in dementia?

Answer 8

Rarely - may possibly reduce impulsivity in FTD.

Question 9

Which medications are licensed for use in dementia?

Answer 9