Drug therapy Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the main goal of drug therapy in schizophrenia?
To reduce the intensity of symptoms, especially positive ones like hallucinations and delusions
What are antipsychotics?
Drugs used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia by altering the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain
What are the two main types of antipsychotic drugs?
Typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics
What is an example of a typical antipsychotic?
Chlorpromazine
When were typical antipsychotics first developed?
1950s
How do typical antipsychotics work?
By blocking dopamine receptors, especially in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway
What symptoms are typical antipsychotics mainly effective against?
Positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions
What are common side effects of typical antipsychotics?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and extrapyramidal symptoms like tremors
What is tardive dyskinesia?
A serious side effect involving involuntary facial movements, often caused by long-term use of typical antipsychotics
What is an example of an atypical antipsychotic?
Clozapine or Risperidone
When were atypical antipsychotics developed?
In the 1970s and 1990s
How do atypical antipsychotics differ from typical ones?
They target both dopamine and serotonin receptors and have fewer motor side effects
Why is Clozapine considered more effective than other antipsychotics?
It treats both positive and negative symptoms and reduces suicidal thoughts
What is a major risk of taking Clozapine?
Agranulocytosis – a potentially fatal drop in white blood cells
Why might patients on Clozapine require regular blood tests?
To monitor for agranulocytosis
What is Risperidone and why is it used?
A newer atypical antipsychotic with fewer side effects than Clozapine but similar effectiveness
What evidence supports the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs?
Studies show symptom reduction and lower relapse rates, especially with continued use
What is a major ethical concern with antipsychotic medication?
The use of medication to sedate rather than treat, particularly in institutional settings
What is a strength of atypical over typical antipsychotics?
Fewer side effects and better compliance due to reduced discomfort
What is a limitation of drug therapy for schizophrenia?
It treats symptoms but not the underlying cause also, some patients don’t respond to medication
