Psychiatry Chapter on Antipsychotics

Medications used to treat psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, often seen in conditions like schizophrenia.

A state of mental disturbance characterized by a loss of contact with reality, including disorganized thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions.

A chronic mental disorder marked by psychosis, including disordered thinking, hallucinations, and emotional withdrawal.

First-generation antipsychotics, effective mainly for managing positive symptoms of psychosis.

Second-generation antipsychotics, effective for both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis.

Extrapyramidal symptoms are a group of side effects caused by antipsychotic medications, impacting movement and muscle control. Examples include involuntary muscle spasms, tremors, and restlessness.

A serious side effect of antipsychotics, characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and limbs, that can be permanent.

The first atypical antipsychotic drug, less likely to cause EPS but carries risks of seizures and agranulocytosis, requiring careful blood monitoring.

A side effect of antipsychotics mimicking Parkinson's disease, characterized by tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movements.

A sudden, painful muscle spasm in the face, neck, or back, a serious side effect of antipsychotics requiring immediate treatment.

Medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

A common group of anxiolytics, often more effective than barbiturates.

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).

Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to adverse effects like agitation, insomnia, and tremor.

Anxiety that exists without an underlying medical or psychiatric condition.

Anxiety caused by a medical or psychiatric condition.

Alcohol, CNS depressants, tobacco, caffeine, and sympathomimetics should be avoided when taking anxiolytics.

An antidote used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose.

A mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of mania (high energy, elevated mood) and depression (low energy, sadness).

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness, often accompanied by fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood, sleep, and other functions. They are involved in bipolar disorder.

A neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. Low levels are associated with depression.

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate alertness, focus, and energy levels. Low levels are associated with depression and fatigue.

An herbal supplement used to treat mild to moderate depression, but can interact with other medications.

An herbal supplement used to improve memory and cognitive function, but not a proven treatment for depression.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a class of antidepressants that block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This increases their levels in the brain, potentially reducing depression symptoms.

MAO-A primarily breaks down dopamine, while MAO-B primarily breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin. MAOIs can selectively target either A or B, or both.

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat Bipolar Affective Disorder. It helps control manic episodes and can be used long-term for maintenance therapy.

The therapeutic range of Lithium is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity and require immediate attention.

Common side effects of lithium include: dry mouth, increased urination, weight gain, metallic taste, and edema (swelling). Severe toxicity can lead to serious complications like seizures, kidney failure, and coma.

Older adults and cigarette smokers are more susceptible to developing Tardive Dyskinesia. It can occur in 20%-30% of patients taking typical antipsychotics for over a year.

Tardive Dyskinesia manifests as involuntary movements like tongue protrusion, lip smacking, chewing motions, and body/limb tremors. Facial dyskinesia is also a characteristic symptom.

A rare but potentially fatal condition linked to antipsychotics, characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental state. NMS requires prompt medical attention.

Antipsychotics act on the vomiting center in the brain, suppressing nausea and vomiting due to their effect on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).