Psychopharmacology Flashcards
What is the purpose of monoamine neurotransmitters?
They send and receive chemical signals in the brain, influencing various processes such as mood, cognition, and movement.
Define neurotransmission.
The process by which neurotransmitters are released from a neuron and bind to receptor sites on another neuron.
What role do neurons play in the brain?
They send and receive electrochemical messages.
What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmission?
The process in which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the synapse that secreted them.
What does ‘deactivate/inactivate’ refer to in neurotransmission?
The process of inactivating neurotransmitters through enzymes.
What is the primary function of dopamine?
Transmitting information about emotional responses, complex movements, and cognition; pleasure and reward.
What is serotonin primarily responsible for?
Emotional regulation, sexual behaviors, temperature regulation, sleep, and pain management.
What neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with stress response?
Norepinephrine.
What is the function of GABA?
It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes neuronal development and helps reduce manifestations of anxiety.
What are the primary uses of benzodiazepines?
To regulate GABA and reduce manifestations of anxiety.
List some common benzodiazepines.
- Alprazolam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
What are the adverse effects of benzodiazepines?
- Sedation
- Poor concentration
- Impaired memory
- Drowsiness
What is the mechanism of action for antidepressants?
They typically block the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the presynaptic receptors.
What are the common classes of antidepressants?
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs)
What should patients be monitored for when starting antidepressants?
Worsening depression or unusual behavior, including increased risk for suicide.
What are the therapeutic uses of antipsychotics?
They are used in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic-related disorders.
What distinguishes first-generation antipsychotics from second-generation antipsychotics?
First-generation antipsychotics are very potent dopamine antagonists, while second-generation antipsychotics block dopamine receptors to a lesser degree.
What are mood stabilizers primarily used for?
To relieve manifestations of mood dysregulation disorders like bipolar disorder.
What is the primary treatment for lithium therapy?
To maintain serum levels between 0.5 mEq/L and 1.5 mEq/L.
What are the manifestations of lithium toxicity?
- Poor coordination
- Confusion
- Sedation
- GI discomfort
- Nausea
- Coarse tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
What is agranulocytosis?
A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells.
What are the symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
- Fever
- Altered mental status
- Muscle rigidity
- Vital sign instability
What is the primary cause of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
Blocking dopamine in the midbrain to the brainstem.
What are some common manifestations of serotonin syndrome?
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Tachycardia
- Muscle rigidity
