Antipsychotics: Types, Side Effects, and Efficacy

Which of the following is a key distinction between first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics?

A patient taking an antipsychotic medication develops muscle stiffness, tremors, and a shuffling gait. Which dopamine-related mnemonic would best explain these side effects?

A researcher is studying the effects of antipsychotics on healthy individuals. Based on the information, what broad effect would they most likely observe?

A patient on a first-generation antipsychotic presents with involuntary movements of their tongue and mouth. This is likely due to:

A patient on an antipsychotic is diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism?

A patient presents with muscle rigidity, high fever, and altered mental status after starting an antipsychotic. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What is the first step a clinician should take when considering the use of a depot antipsychotic?

Chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic, is rarely used today due to its broad side effect profile. Which of the following contributes MOST to this?

Which first-generation antipsychotic is most selective for the D2 receptor, leading to a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects?

What factor limits the use of clozapine as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia, despite its high efficacy?

A patient on olanzapine is gaining weight rapidly, independent of their diet. What is the most likely reason for this side effect?

An elderly patient with schizophrenia needs an antipsychotic. What is the advantage of using risperidone in this case?

A patient taking ziprasidone is found to have a prolonged QT interval on their EKG. What is the clinical significance of this finding?

A patient with treatment-resistant depression is prescribed aripiprazole in addition to their antidepressant. What is the rationale for this?

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which antipsychotics alleviate psychosis?

Why might dissolvable forms of antipsychotics be preferred over oral pills, despite the increased cost?

A patient on haloperidol develops acute dystonia. What medication is most appropriate to administer?

Which of the following is the most accurate description of akathisia?

How does akinesia manifest in a patient taking antipsychotics?

Which of the following is a key symptom of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

What medication is primarily used to treat neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

What is the MOST likely reason for the reduced life expectancy in people with mental illness?

A male patient on risperidone complains of breast enlargement. The MOST likely cause is:

A patient taking an antipsychotic drug begins to experience a constant jitteriness and restlessness, feeling on edge with the urge to move. Which extrapyramidal side effect is this patient most likely experiencing?

For initial management of a patient experiencing acute psychosis, which antipsychotic dosage form is generally considered the gold standard?

A patient has been on chlorpromazine for many years. Which of the following long-term side effects is MOST associated with this medication?

A patient is started on clozapine. What laboratory parameter MUST be monitored regularly, and why?

Which atypical antipsychotic carries a warning due to its association with prolonging the QT interval?

A patient is prescribed aripiprazole. How does aripiprazole differ mechanistically from other antipsychotics?

What is a primary reason for using intramuscular (IM) depot antipsychotics?

Why is haloperidol sometimes referred to as "Haldol" in clinical practice?

What should be done before administering haloperidol decanoate to a patient?

How can tardive dyskinesia be best described?

Which medication is most strongly associated with causing gynecomastia as a side effect?

What is the mechanism that leads to hyperprolactinemia as a side effect of antipsychotic use?

The mnemonic "Dan never misses a step" is used to remember the treatment for which condition related to antipsychotic use?

You need to prescribe olanzapine to treat a patient's schizophrenia, what is the most significant risk you need to monitor?

A patient on an antipsychotic is experiencing a shuffling gait, rigidity, and tremors. What medication mimics this set of side effects?

A patient comes to the clinic after starting an antipsychotic medication, which of the following side effects would manifest weeks after treatment?

A patient on an antipsychotic presents with a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and difficulty initiating movement. This MOST closely resembles:

Which of the following side effects is MOST likely to be irreversible, even after discontinuing the offending antipsychotic?

What is the PRIMARY mechanism by which first-generation antipsychotics induce extrapyramidal side effects (EPS)?

When initiating treatment with a depot antipsychotic injection, what is the MOST important step to take to ensure patient safety?

A patient on an antipsychotic medication is experiencing galactorrhea and amenorrhea. Which of the following dopamine pathways is MOST likely affected, leading to these symptoms?

A patient is prescribed clozapine. Regular monitoring of which lab value is essential to mitigate a potentially life-threatening side effect?

Which of the following antipsychotics is MOST associated with causing significant weight gain, independent of dietary changes?

A patient taking an antipsychotic reports feeling restless and having an irresistible urge to move. Which medication would MOST appropriately address this specific side effect?

A patient on an antipsychotic is suspected of having neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Besides discontinuing the antipsychotic, what is the MOST appropriate initial treatment?

Which of the following best describes the unique mechanism of action of aripiprazole compared to other antipsychotics?

A patient with schizophrenia is also being treated for depression. Which atypical antipsychotic might be added to their antidepressant regimen to augment its effects?

What is the MOST likely reason why an intravenous (IV) antipsychotic would be chosen over an oral medication in the emergency management of an acutely agitated patient?

Which of the following best describes the 'thorazine shuffle'?

What is the rationale for using dissolvable (orally disintegrating) antipsychotic formulations in certain patients, even if they are more expensive?

A patient on ziprasidone is noted to have QTc prolongation on their ECG. What is the MOST significant concern associated with this finding?