anti con, psych

Answer 1

Question: Can you tell me about Chlorpromazine and Flupentixol?
Answer:

Class: Typical Antipsychotic (1st Generation)

Mechanism:

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain → reduces excessive dopamine activity, especially in the mesolimbic pathway

Also inhibits histamine H1 → causes drowsiness and weight gain

Affects alpha-1 receptors → causes CV side effects like dizziness and hypotension

Inhibits serotonin and muscarinic receptors → leading to dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and cognitive deficits

Use:

Primarily for positive symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)

Side Effects:

Common: Constipation, hyperglycemia, dizziness

Serious: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like parkinsonism, galactorrhea, and motor control impairment

Note:

Ineffective against negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

Answer 2

Question: Can you tell me about Clozapine, Olanzapine, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Ziprasidone, and Aripiprazole?
Answer:

Class: Atypical Antipsychotics (2nd Generation)

Mechanism:

Loosely binds to D2 receptors with drift effects and high affinity for other receptors

Use:

Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and mania

Side Effects:

Common: Dizziness, vomiting, weight gain (due to increased appetite), hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia

Serious: Withdrawal symptoms

Important Note:

These drugs are often preferred over typical antipsychotics due to lower risk of EPS

Answer 3

Question: Can you tell me about Sodium Valproate (Depakote)?
Answer:

Class: Anticonvulsant

Mechanism:

Affects Na and Ca channels, and GABA receptors → inhibits GABA transaminase, increasing GABA levels and enhancing neuronal inhibition

Use:

Used for generalized epilepsy and as a second-line treatment for bipolar disorder

Side Effects:

Common: Diarrhea, confusion, seizures, impaired concentration

Serious: Risk of suicidal thoughts, birth defects (contraindicated in pregnancy)

Important Note:

Monitor closely for suicidal behavior and birth defects in pregnancy

Answer 4

Question: Can you tell me about Lamotrigine, Phenytoin, and Carbamazepine?
Answer:

Class: Phenyltriazines (Anticonvulsants)

Mechanism:

Na channel blockers → bind to inactivated Na channels, preventing them from returning to an active state

Also inhibit glutamate release and enhance GABA release

Use:

Primarily used for seizures (e.g., focal onset epilepsy) and bipolar disorder

Side Effects:

Common: Nausea, headache, vision disorders, risk of meningitis

Serious: Risk of suicidal thoughts

Important Note:

Monitor closely for suicidal ideation and skin rashes

Answer 5

Question: Can you tell me about Levodopa + Carbidopa + Entacapone (Stalevo)?
Answer:

Class: Dopaminergic Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Mechanism:

Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and converts to dopamine in the brain

Carbidopa inhibits DOPA decarboxylase to prevent levodopa from converting to dopamine outside the brain, reducing peripheral side effects

Entacapone inhibits COMT to increase dopamine availability in the brain

Use:

Used in Parkinson’s disease, particularly when not stabilized by DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors

Side Effects:

Common: Sickness, sleep disorders, and seizures

Serious: Dyskinesia, hallucinations, and confusion

Important Note:

Avoid high-protein meals as they can interfere with levodopa absorption

Answer 6

Question: Can you tell me about Methylphenidate?
Answer:

Class: CNS Stimulant for ADHD

Mechanism:

Thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine in the brain, leading to increased availability of these neurotransmitters

Use:

First-line treatment for ADHD in adults

Side Effects:

Common: Aggression, anxiety, chest discomfort, insomnia

Serious: Tachycardia, arrhythmia

Important Note:

Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment

Answer 7

Question: Can you tell me about Atomoxetine?
Answer:

Class: CNS Stimulant for ADHD

Mechanism:

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) → increases norepinephrine levels in the brain

Use:

Second-line treatment for ADHD in adults

Side Effects:

Common: Chest pain, anxiety, weight decrease

Serious: Monitor for potential suicidal thoughts

Important Note:

Careful monitoring for side effects, particularly cardiovascular