Biological therapy for Schizophrenia Flashcards
What are antipsychotics?
Drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms in psychotic disorders.
What are typical antipsychotics?
The first generation of drugs for SZ and work as dopamine antagonists.
-> include Chlorpromazine.
When were typical antipsychotics first used?
1950’s.
What is a typical antipsychotic?
Chlorpromazine.
How can chlorpromazine be taken?
Tablets, syrups of by injection.
What happens if chlorpromazine is taken orally?
It’s administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg.
What are antagonists?
Chemicals that reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
How do dopamine antagonists work?
Blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
What type of symptoms to typical antipsychotics reduce?
Reduce positive symptoms but not negative symptoms.
What 2 things does chlorpromazine work as?
1) An antipsychotic.
2) A sedative.
What are the size effects of chlorpromazine?
-Dizziness, agitation, sleepiness.
-Tardive dyskinesia.
What is the most serious side effect of antipsychotics?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
What does NMS result in?
High temps, delirium, coma & death.
What are atypical antipsychotics?
Drugs for SZ which were developed after typical antipsychotics and typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
When were atypical antipsychotics first used?
1960’s and 1980’s.
