Pharm Midterm 1, Module 4

Question 1

Medications can_____ or ______ Neurotransmitter activity

Answer 1

Medications can potentiate (increase

the activity of) or block NT activity

Question 2

What alterations cause neurotransmitter imbalances in the CNS?

Answer 2

Alteration in CNS function often results
in an imbalance of neurotransmitters
(too much, too little, not enough
receptors, too many receptors)

Question 3

What does serotonin deficiency cause?

Answer 3

Depression

Question 4

SSRI Action (fluoxetine)

Answer 4

inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.

Question 5

neuroleptic malignant syndrome signs and symptoms

Answer 5

which includes hyperthermia (FEVER), muscle rigidity, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuation of vital signs, and mental status changes.

Question 6

Serotonin Syndrome signs and symptoms

Answer 6

mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).

Question 7

Can antidepressants increase risk for suicide?

Answer 7

Yes- may increase motivation to take action

Question 8

Signs of early lithium toxicity

Answer 8

diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and lack of coordination.

Question 9

lithium action

Answer 9

alters sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells. Reduces mania, stabilized bipolar disorder

Question 10

anti-psychotic uses

Answer 10

treat drug-induced psychosis, schizophrenia, extreme mania, depression that is resistant to other therapy,

Question 11

antipsychotic action

Answer 11

All antipsychotics block dopamine receptors in the brain. These areas are associated with emotions, cognitive function, and motor function, and blockage thus produces a tranquilizing effect in psychotic patients.

Question 12

adverse effects of antipsychotics

Answer 12

Tardive dyskinesia (Involuntary contraction of the oral and facial muscles (such as tongue thrusting) and wavelike movements of the extremities), NMS, EPS (Involuntary motor symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson’s disease. Includes symptoms such as akathisia (distressing motor restlessness) and acute dystonia (painful muscle spasms.) Often treated with anticholinergic medications such as benztropine and trihexyphenidyl)

Question 13

Treatment for EPS

Answer 13

Anticholinergic drugs (benztropine)

Question 14

1st gen antipsychotic

Answer 14

haloperidol

Question 15

2nd gen atypical antipsychotic

Answer 15

risperidone

Question 16

anticholinergic overexpression side effects

Answer 16

dry eyes,
urinary retention, constipation,
dilated pupils, dry mouth,
hypotension

Question 17

Anticholinergic drug action (benztropine)

Answer 17

Manages EPS from 
Haloperidol by blocking excitatory 
cholinergic pathways
Restores the dopamine / 
acetylcholine balance

Question 18

Benzodiazepines (lorazepam) action

Answer 18

intensify (potentiates) the effects of GABA,

an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Dependency risk

Question 19

Benzo adverse effects

Answer 19

Respiratory depression, oversedation, drowsiness