Pharmacology Quiz: Neuroleptic Drugs

Neuroleptic Drugs

• Another term for neuroleptic drugs is antipsychotic medications.
• These drugs are primarily used to manage psychosis and symptoms of mental disorders.

Neurosis

• Main characteristic of neurosis is excessive anxiety or obsessive behavior, often resulting in distress but not a break from reality.

Types of Psychosis

• Psychosis caused by head injury, alcoholism, or drugs is classified as substance-induced psychotic disorder.

Mental Impressions

• A mental impression based on misinterpretation of actual experience is referred to as a delusion.

Definition of Psychosis

• Psychosis is a severe mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality, often involving hallucinations or delusions.

False Personal Beliefs

• A false personal belief that contradicts available evidence is known as a delusion.

Dopamine Metabolism

• The main metabolite of dopamine is homovanillic acid (HVA).

Neurotransmitter in Schizophrenia

• Serotonin (5-HT) is the neurotransmitter involved in the 5-HT hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Effects of Amphetamines

• Amphetamines increase dopamine release, potentially exacerbating symptoms of psychosis.

DA Antagonists in Schizophrenia

• Dopamine antagonists reduce schizophrenia symptoms by decreasing overactivity of dopamine pathways.

Brain Imaging in Schizophrenia

• Imaging studies show that the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe may be affected in schizophrenia.

LSD Effects on the Brain

• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) alters serotonin receptors, leading to intensified perceptual experiences.

Neuroleptic Mechanism of Action

• Neuroleptic drugs primarily act by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, reducing psychotic symptoms.

Chronic Use of Neuroleptics

• Chronic use of neuroleptic drugs can lead to upregulation of dopamine receptors, potentially worsening symptoms over time.

Tardive Dyskinesia Prevalence

• Approximately 20-30% of patients taking long-term neuroleptics may experience Tardive Dyskinesia.

Anticholinergic Action

• Among neuroleptic drugs, clozapine has a strong anticholinergic action, influencing various neurotransmitter systems.

Initial Effects on DA Cells

• Initially, neuroleptic drugs inhibit dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra.

Cariprazine and DA Receptors

• Cariprazine uniquely functions as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, balancing dopamine activity.

Prolactin and Neuroleptics

• Neuroleptic drugs can elevate serum prolactin levels, leading to side effects such as galactorrhea.

Iloperidone and Elderly Patients

• Iloperidone is not recommended for elderly patients due to heightened risk of cardiovascular side effects.

FDA-Approved Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment

• Valbenazine is an FDA-approved drug for treating Tardive Dyskinesia.

Prolactin’s Effect on Breast Tissue

• Elevated prolactin impacts breast tissue in both sexes, leading to hormonal imbalances and lactation issues.

Cariprazine FDA Approval

• Cariprazine was approved by the FDA in 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Metabolic Effects of Atypical Neuroleptics

• Atypical neuroleptic agents, like clozapine and olanzapine, can lead to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Clinical Use of Neuroleptics

• Neuroleptics are used to stabilize mood and manage agitation in various psychiatric conditions.

Pimavanserin Toxicity

• A potential toxicity of Pimavanserin includes confusion or hallucinations in sensitive individuals.

Pimavanserin FDA Approval

• Pimavanserin is FDA-approved for treating Parkinson's disease psychosis.

Characteristics of Pimavanserin

• Pimavanserin primarily acts as a selective serotonin inverse agonist, minimizing dopamine blockade.

Pimavanserin FDA Approval Year

• Pimavanserin received FDA approval in 2016.

Test your knowledge on neuroleptic drugs, including definitions, pathophysiology of schizophrenia, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and therapeutic considerations. This quiz covers the basics of neuroleptic drugs and their applications in pharmacology.