ASWB Exam- Medical Knowledge and Psychotropic Medications

Main Classes of Psychotropic Medications

Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers, Anxiolytics, Stimulants

Hydrocodone

A prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is often combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Relieves pain through central nervous system. Can be used to stop or prevent coughing. Habit forming when used over an extended period of time.

Lisinopril (Zestril or Prinivil)

An ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Simvastatin (Zocor)

A statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Crestor

Lipid lowering agent. It is a statin that helps decrease cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Nexium

A proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and protect against stomach ulcers.

Ventolin

A bronchodilator used to relieve asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing easier breathing.

Diovan

Used to treat heart disease or heart failure.

Lantus

Sterile solution of insulin glargine for use as a subcutaneous injection for diabetes.

Cymbalta

A selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) for oral administration.

Vyvanse

Used to treat hyperactivity and impulse control disorder.

Lyrica

Used to control seizures, as well as treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia.

Common Neurologic Symptoms

Back pain

Neck pain

Headache

Pain along a nerve pathway (as sciatica)

Common Muscle Malfunction

Weakness

Tremor (rhythmic shaking of a body part)

Paralysis

Involuntary (unintended) movements (such as tics)

Clumsiness or poor coordination

Muscle spasms

Common Changes in Sensation

Numbness of the skin

Tingling or a “pins-and-needles” sensation

Hypersensitivity to light touch

Loss of sensation for touch, cold, heat, or pain

Common changes in cognition

Difficulty understanding language or using language to speak or write (aphasia)

Poor memory

Inability to recognize familiar objects (agnosia) or familiar faces (prosopagnosia)

Inability to do simple arithmetic (acalculia)

Signs of drug use: Marijuana

glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss

Signs of drug use: Cocaine

dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose

Signs of drug use: Heroin

contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite