Pyschosis Drugs Flashcards
How can Schizophrenia be diagnosed?
At least one Core Symptom + Another Core/Negative Symptom Core: - Delusions / Hallucinations - Disorganized Speech Negative - Blunted Affect / Lack of Spontaneity - Poor Abstraction - Social Withdraw
What is the current theory on etiology of Schizophrenia?
Hyperdopaminergic State
- Hyperactivity of Dopamine Neruons or Receptors in the limbic areas
What is the Mesolimbic dopamine tract responsible for?
- Arousal, Stimulus Processing, Locomotor Activity
if too much Dopamine = Positive Symptoms
What is the Mesocortical Tract responsible for and how does it become dysfunctional in schizophrenia?
Cognition, Communication, Social Activity
(Frontal Lobe)
- Diminished Dopamine = Negative Symptom (Withdraw)
How would a Dopamine Antagonist affect the Nigrostriatal Pathway?
Increased Extrapyramidal Symptoms
What tract in the brain is responsible for Prolactin release when inhibited by a dopamine Antagonist?
Tuberoinfundibular Tract
What is it important to block the D2-like Receptors in the CNS when treating Psychotic symptoms?
Inhibiting D2-receptors prevents the down regulation of cAMP in the post synaptic neuron. Ideally regulating more normal functionality of the pathways.
What is the theory on how D2-Antagonists function in the cleft?
They initially block the D2-Receptors on the Post-Synaptic neuron and then the presynaptic releases more Dopamine to try and overcome the inhibition, but manages to desensatize the post-synaptic neuron with less receptors allowing the drug to block a higher percentage working better.
What is a quality of Neuroleptics that can help decrease negative symptoms caused by D2-Antagonists?
- Blocking of 5HT2 Receptors (Atypical Drugs)
What kind of drugs have both D2-Like Antagonism and 5HT2 Antagonism (higher potency)?
Atypical Anti-Psychotics
Apart of the Antagonism of D2-like receptors, why do Typical Anti-Psychotics cause more side effects?
- Not Selective to only D2-receptors can affect others like Histamine, Alpha-Receptors, and Serotonin
What is a quality of schizophrenics that is important for public health?
They use the health care system significantly most than the average person cost millions of dollars a year to care for them. Since they do not work are supported by disability and tax payers.
What drug can cause significant Parkinsonian Side effects?
Haloperidol
What is the main difference between Typical and Atypical Psychotics when treating Schizophrenia?
Atypicals Block 5HT2 Receptors
- Helping control negative symptoms
What are the most common side effects of psychotic drugs of either type?
- Sedation
- Extrapyramidal Effects
- Anticholinergic Effects (lower potency drugs)
What should you watch for 2 week after a patient started taking a new psychotic drug?
Parkinsonian Symptoms
- Bradykinesia
- Expressionless Faces
- Tremor/Rigidity
- Shuffling Gait
**Can be treated with Anti-cholinergics or lowered dose of medications
What is the most common side effect caused by chronic use of psychotic drugs that can develop at any time from months to years?
Tardive Dyskinesia
- Can be permanent after long usage
What is it called when the patient is compulsive restless movement with anxiety and agitation, when might it occur?
Akathisia
- Usually 5-60 days after beginning an anti-pyschotic drug
When might you see first notice Acute Dystonia in a patient being treated for schizophrenia?
Immediately after starting the drug 1-5 days
What is the best method to prevent the patient from developing Tardive Dyskinesia?
Drug Holidays – stopping the drug for a period of time, then resuming a short time later
What type/drugs cause Weight Gain - Diabetes most commonly?
Atypicals
- Olanzapine
- Risperidone
- Clozapine
- Quetiapine