Schizophrenia: Drug Therapy - Typical/Atypical antipsychotics Flashcards
What type of drug is the most common treatment for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic drugs
Is antipsychotic drugs the most or least common treatment for schizophrenia?
Most
What factor should you consider when choosing the right course length of antipsychotics?
Depending on the severity of their psychosis
What are the two types of anti-psychotic drugs?
Typical and atypical
Which type of drugs are used more often?
Typical anti-psychotics are used more often
When would an individual use atypical anti-psychotic drugs?
If symptoms do not improve
Name a Typical antipsychotic drug
Chlorpromazine
What does an antagonist mean?
Something that reduces activity levels
Explain why Chlorpromazine are dopamine antagonists
Chlorpromazine reduces levels of dopamine activity in the brain
Chlorpromazine works by ___________ to the _____ receptors on _____ synaptic neurons in the brain, reducing the action of____________.
binding
D2
post
Dopamine
Chlorpromazine works by binding to what?
D2 receptors on post synaptic neuron
What happens to dopamine levels when Chlorpromazine binds to the D2 receptors?
Reduces the action of dopamine.
What happens to individuals’ symptoms of schizophrenia when taking Chlorpromazine?
Reduces positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations.
Name an atypical drug used to treat schizophrenia.
CLOZAPINE
Atypical antipsychotics act upon which neurotransmitter(s) ?
Dopamine and Serotonin.
What type of drugs act upon Dopamine AND Serotonin in the brain?
Atypical antipsychotics e.g. Clozapine
Clozapine also binds to what receptors sites?
D2 dopamine receptor sites
What happens to individuals’ symptoms of schizophrenia when taking Clozapine?
Reduces positive symptoms such as hallucinations.
AND
Reduces negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as a lack of emotions.
Why do atypical drugs like clozapine act as agonists?
Increase levels of serotonin.
Clozapine increases levels of serotonin in the brain. How does this affect symptoms of schizophrenia?
Reduces negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as a lack of emotions as it helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients.
Why do Atypical antipsychotics (clozapine) have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics (chlorpromazine)?
Atypical antipsychotics they have less action on the dopamine system.
Why are typical antipsychotics are used first?
This is because atypical antipsychotics (clozapine) are associated with a life-threatening illness (agranulocytosis).
What is Agranulocytosis?
Agranulocytosis is a blood condition where there are low levels of white blood cells, preventing and individual fighting of disease and illness.
When are atypical antipsychotics (clozapine) used as opposed to typical antipsychotics?
Atypical antipsychotics (clozapine) are only given if typical antipsychotics (chlorpromazine) are not effective or if the patient has severe negative side effects.