Psychiatry drugs

Question 1

Haloperidol class and action?

Answer 1

Typical antipsychotic

D2 receptor antagonist, blocking dopaminergic transmission in the mesolimbic pathways

Question 2

Akathisia

Answer 2

A form of restlessness which will present as constant pacing up and down, or the patient describing an inability to sit still.

EPSE side effect of antipsychotics

Question 3

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer 3

A side effect of antipsychotics that occurs after many years.

It typically affects the face and involves repetitive, involuntary, writhing movements such as grimacing, tongue protrusion and lip smacking.

Question 4

Parkinsonism

Answer 4

General term for side effects of antipsychotics that mimic Parkinson’s disease, such as bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity and shuffling gait.

Question 5

Venlafaxine mechanism of action

Answer 5

SNRI

Venlafaxine blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline in the central nervous system (CNS), enhancing their availability in the synaptic cleft and thus modulating mood pathways. This increased neurotransmitter availability can be particularly helpful in refractory cases of depression.

Question 6

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant preferred in patients with anorexia nervosa

why?

Answer 6

it also elevates the appetite and produces weight gain.

in the UK, mirtazapine is not routinely recommended for children and adolescents under 18. If it is prescribed, it is usually done so with caution and under close monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Question 7

Bupropion

Answer 7

Aminoketone class (atypical antidepressant)

inhibits Dopamine DA and NA noradrenaline reuptake in brain

improves energy and mood

used in smoking cessation and depression

Question 8

an established life-threatening side effect of clozapine?

Answer 8

Agranulocytosis/neutropenia is a life-threatening side effect of clozapine - monitor FBC

Question 9

Agranulocytosis is a side effect of?

Answer 9

clozapine

this is thought to occur in approximately 1% of those taking clozapine - an antipsychotic medication used to treat refractory schizophrenia. Therefore, patients taking clozapine require ongoing monitoring which involves weekly blood tests for the first 18 weeks, every 2 weeks until 1 year and every 4 weeks thereafter.

Question 10

main two side effects of olanzapine (atypical 2nd gen antipsychotic)

Answer 10

obesity

sedation

Question 11

Adverse effects of clozapine

Answer 11

agranulocytosis (1%), neutropaenia (3%)

reduced seizure threshold - can induce seizures in up to 3% of patients
constipation

myocarditis: a baseline ECG should be taken before starting treatment

hypersalivation