Pyschopharmacology

Question 1

What type of drug is Lithium?

Answer 1

Mood stabiliser

Question 2

What is Lithium mainly prescribed for?

Answer 2

Mainly bipolar affective disorder
Treatment resistant depression or schizophrenia

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Lithium?

Answer 3

To influence neurotransmitter activity (particularly serotonin and norepinephrine) and stabilise mood by modulating ion channels and intracellular signaling pathways.

Question 4

What is the therapeutic range for Lithium and what is important to remember about this?

Answer 4

approx 0.5-1.5 mmol/L
0.8-1.2 is goal for acute stage
0.6-0.8 is goal for maintenance

Anything starting from 1.5 is classed as mild toxicity

monitor plasma levels as seizures can occur at 2-3 mmol/L

Question 5

List some main side effects of Lithium

Answer 5

Common: Nausea, tremor, increased thirst, frequent urination, weight gain, and gastrointestinal upset.

Serious: Thyroid dysfunction, renal impairment, and potential for lithium toxicity

Question 6

What are the 2 main types of anti-psychotics and list some examples?

Answer 6

Typical APs (1st gen): Primarily target dopamine D2 receptors
Examples: Halperidol

Atypical APs: Target both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
Examples: Clozapine,
Risperidone (benzisoxazole)
Olanzapine
Quetiapine
Ziprasadone

Question 7

What are the indications for use for anti-psychotics?

Answer 7

Schizophrenia
BPAD

Question 8

What are the side effects for both groups of anti-psychotics?

Answer 8

Typical APs
Extrapyramidal Symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia.

Atypical APs
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability

Monitor for metabolic syndrome side effects