Lesson 37: Psychopharmacology

Psychotropic medications

A drug that changes mood or emotion, usually used when talking about drugs prescribed for various mental conditions (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.)

Polypharmacy

Using multiple drugs

Psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect behavior

Agonists

Increase neurotransmitter activity

Antagonists

Decrease neurotransmitter activity

Pharmacokinetics

Refers to how the body handles a drug

ADME

Absorption- How it gets into the blood

Distribution- How it gets to organ of interest

Metabolism- How it is broken down

Excretion- How it leaves the body

Addiction

Genetics play a role (up to 40-60%) of risk and environmental factors. Age and mental health disorders increase risk.

Cytochrome P450 enzyme system

Helps break down many drugs in the body. Grapefruit juice can block some of these enzymes, causing drugs to be broken down more slowly. As a result, higher amounts of the drug remain in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity even when the prescribed dose is taken.

Ultra-extensive metabolizers

Metabolizes too fast, never works

Poor metabolizers

Too slow, drug builds up and has negative side effects