Week 4 Notes

Question 1

What are the common side effects of older (‘typical’) antipsychotic medications?

Answer 1

1. Movement disorders that might become permanent
2. Problems with involuntary muscle control
3. Dry mouth, blurred vision, and other anticholinergic effects
4. Issues with blood pressure and heart rate
5. Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.

Question 2

How do atypical antipsychotic drugs work in the brain?

Answer 2

They block serotonin receptors in the brain’s cortex, preventing serotonin from stopping dopamine release, leading to increased dopamine in the front part of the brain.

This increased dopamine helps reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of motivation and emotional flatness.

Question 3

What is the effect of removing serotonin’s influence in the context of atypical antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 3

It allows more dopamine to reach important areas of the brain, thereby helping to alleviate negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

This analogy compares serotonin to a brake that restricts dopamine, which is a helpful chemical.

Question 4

Name three examples of atypical antipsychotic drugs.

Answer 4

1. Aripiprazole (Abilify)
2. Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
3. Risperidone (Risperidal)

Other examples include Bupropion (BuSpar) and Mirtazapine (Remeron).

Question 5

What are some clinical uses of atypical antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 5

1. BPD
2. Depressive disorders
3. Schizophrenia and other causes of psychosis
4. Mania
5. OCD (off-label)
6. Psychosis associated with dementia

Caution is advised due to an increased risk of death in certain populations.

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Bupropion?

Answer 6

Exact MOA unknown; weakly inhibits uptake of NE and DA.

Bupropion is used in depression and smoking cessation and can cause insomnia.

Question 7

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Mirtazapine?

Answer 7

Antagonism of central presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, increasing noradrenergic and serotonergic activity.

Mirtazapine also antagonizes 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors; it is used in depression and is sedating, helping with insomnia.

Question 8

True or False: Atypical antipsychotic drugs are more commonly prescribed than typical antipsychotic medications.

Answer 8

True

This is due to the serious side effects associated with typical antipsychotic medications.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The increased availability of _______ in the brain helps reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Answer 9

dopamine

This is a key effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs.