MT CH 7 psychoactive drugs

Question 1

What is an antianxiety agent?

Answer 1

Relieves anxiety by means of a calming, sedative effect on the CNS

Examples include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax); also known as anxiolytic.

Question 2

What does a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) do?

Answer 2

Blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing levels

Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft).

Question 3

Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to treat psychosis, including schizophrenia.

Answer 3

neuroleptic

Question 4

What is the action mechanism of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Answer 4

Blocks an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin, thus prolonging their action

Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan).

Question 5

What is a stimulant?

Answer 5

Promotes activity and a sense of well-being

Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), amphetamine + dextroamphetamine (Adderall).

Question 6

What do tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) do?

Answer 6

Blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, or both

Examples include amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), trimipramine (Surmontil).

Question 7

True or False: Neuroleptics are also known as antipsychotics.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is the role of antidepressants?

Answer 8

Blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine

Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), atomoxetine (Strattera).