Psychopharmacology 2

Question 1

What are antidepressants?

Answer 1

Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters to address deficiencies in key areas of the brain

Question 2

What is the biomedical explanation for depression?

Answer 2

That depression stems from a deficiency of norepinephrine (NE), dopamins, or serotonin in key areas of the brain.

Question 3

What are the 3 ways an antidepressant addresses deficiencys in the brain?

Answer 3

1. They inhibit the effects of monoamine oxide thus increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft
2. They block the reuptake of specific neurotransmitters leading to a build up of these in the synaptic cleft
3. They are involved in regulation at receptor sites and the breakdown of neurotransmitters

Question 4

What are some mild symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Answer 4

Increased heart rate, shivering, sweating, dilated pupils, myoclonus, and over-responsive reflexes.

Question 5

What do Selective serotonic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related drugs do? (Antidepressants).

Answer 5

Simply, they are the first line of treatment for depression and have less side-effects than others. Common side effects include: Drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 6

What is serotonin syndrome?

Answer 6

Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction. It is caused by medications that build up high levels of serotonin in the body. The onset is often rapid and can be life-threatening

Question 7

What are the common side effects from Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Answer 7

dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, drowsiness, and weight gain

Question 8

What are the common side effects from Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Answer 8

Postural hypotension, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction

Question 9

What are mood stabilisers?

Answer 9

Drugs used for the treatment of bipolar affective disorders and schizo-affective disorders - they may also treat manic episodes

Question 10

What is the drug of choice for treatment of acute mania and ongoing maintenance?

Answer 10

Lithium

Question 11

How does Lithium work to treat acute mania?

Answer 11

It mimics the affects of sodium and compromises the ability of neurons to release, activate and respond to neurotransmitters.

Question 12

What are some common side affects of lithium?

Answer 12

Tremor, stomach upset, polyuria, and polydipsia

Question 13

What do Anticonvulsants do?

Answer 13

Anticonvulsants work by calming hyperactivity in the brain in various ways (Stabilising nerve membranes throughout the CNS)

Question 14

What are Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety) medications?

Answer 14

Anxiolytics are a class of medications used to prevent or treat anxiety symptoms or disorders

Question 15

What do Benzodiazepines (Anxiolytics) do?

Answer 15

They are sedatives / anxiolytics (relieve anxiety) that act in the limbic system to treat anxiety disorders, agitation, insomnia, muscle spasm, and alcohol withdrawl.

Question 16

Why are Benxodiazepines prescribed for short-term use only?

Answer 16

Because people can become physically dependent on them

Question 17

What are non-benzodiazepines?

Answer 17

Nonbenzodiazepines sometimes referred to colloquially as Z-drugs are a class of psychoactive drugs that are very benzodiazepine-like in nature. They are known to be sleep-aids.

Question 18

What are the common side effects of 1st generation (typical) antipsychotic medications

Answer 18

Stiffness and shakiness, uncomfortable restlessness, movements of the jaw, lips, and tongue, and sezual problems due to hormonal changed

Question 19

What are the common side effects of 2nd generational (atypical) antipsychotic medications?

Answer 19

Sleepiness and slowness, higher risk of diabetes, sexual problems due to hornomal changes, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and severe weight gain/diabetes (wt long-t use)