neuro/psych drugs for final

Question 1

Generic Name: Epinephrine
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 1

Generic Name: Epinephrine
Class: Adrenergic Agonist
Action: Activates fight-or-flight response (sympathetic stimulation)
Uses: Anaphylactic shock, severe allergic reactions
Precautions: Reduced effect with alpha/beta blockers
Adverse Effects: Hypertensive crisis

Question 2

Generic Name: Phenytoin
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 2

Generic Name: Phenytoin
Class: Antiepileptic
Action: Suppresses sodium influx
Uses: Partial and tonic-clonic seizures, neuralgias
Precautions: Give IV only with normal saline or use fosphenytoin
Adverse Effects: Narrow therapeutic range (10–20), toxicity

Question 3

Generic Name: Valproic Acid
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 3

Generic Name: Valproic Acid
Class: Antiepileptic, Antipsychotic
Action: Suppresses sodium and calcium channels
Uses: Epilepsy (partial + grand mal), bipolar disorder, mood stabilizer
Adverse Effects: Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis

Question 4

Generic Name: Levodopa + Carbidopa
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 4

Generic Name: Levodopa + Carbidopa
Class: Dopamine Replacement
Action: Carbidopa prevents breakdown; levodopa increases CNS dopamine
Uses: Parkinson’s disease
Precautions: Effectiveness declines after 5 years
Adverse Effects: Dyskinesias, orthostatic hypotension, psychosis

Question 5

Generic Name: Fluoxetine
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 5

Generic Name: Fluoxetine
Class: SSRI (Antidepressant)
Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake → increases serotonin in synapse
Uses: Depression, OCD (off-label uses)
Precautions: Do not stop abruptly; risk of serotonin syndrome
Adverse Effects: Sexual dysfunction, withdrawal symptoms, serotonin syndrome

Question 6

Generic Name: Bupropion
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:
Additional for Antidepressants (all):

Answer 6

Generic Name: Bupropion
Class: Atypical Antidepressant
Action: Possibly inhibits dopamine reuptake; amphetamine-like structure
Uses: Depression, low libido, smoking cessation
Precautions: Lowers seizure threshold
Adverse Effects: Seizures (dose-related)
Additional for Antidepressants (all):
-Onset takes weeks
-Do not discontinue abruptly
-Monitor for suicide risk
-Avoid CNS depressants
-Often taken at night

Question 7

Generic Name: Lithium
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 7

Generic Name: Lithium
Class: Mood Stabilizer
Action: Simple inorganic ion; stabilizes mood
Uses: Bipolar disorder
Precautions: Monitor plasma levels (>1.5 = toxic), maintain hydration
Adverse Effects: Polyuria, hypothyroidism, goiter

Question 8

Generic Name: Diazepam
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 8

Generic Name: Diazepam
Class: Benzodiazepine
Action: Enhances effects of GABA (CNS depressant)
Uses: Anxiety, seizures, insomnia, muscle spasms
Precautions: Risk of tolerance, dependence
Adverse Effects: CNS and respiratory depression, abuse potential

Question 9

Generic Name: Haloperidol
Class:
Action:
Uses:
Precautions:
Adverse Effects:

Answer 9

Generic Name: Haloperidol
Class: Butyrophenone
Action: Blocks dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine, norepinephrine receptors
Uses: Schizophrenia, acute psychosis, Tourette’s syndrome
Precautions: Monitor for cardiac dysrhythmias, EPS
Adverse Effects:
EPS (Extrapyramidal Symptoms):
-Acute dystonia
-Parkinsonism
-Akathisia
-Tardive dyskinesia
-Seizures
-Weight gain