Psychopharmacology

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to psychopharmacology, focusing on antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and stimulants.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and arousal.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that contributes to mood regulation and the treatment of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder

A severe form of depression that significantly impairs daily functioning.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder

A psychiatric disorder marked by extreme mood swings including periods of depression and mania.

Psychotic Depression

A severe form of depression accompanied by psychosis, such as hallucinations.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

A class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of antidepressants that specifically inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

A class of antidepressants that inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzyme, affecting serotonin and norepinephrine.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

An SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety.

Paroxetine (Paxil)

An SSRI that can cause sedation as a side effect.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

An SSRI commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression.

Citalopram (Celexa)

An SSRI noted for its use in the treatment of depression.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

An SSRI often used for anxiety disorders and depression.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

An antidepressant that inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

An SNRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

An SNRI that treats depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Lithium

The most established mood stabilizer used for treating bipolar disorder.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst often associated with lithium therapy side effects.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially dangerous drug interaction characterized by excessive serotonin activity.

Hypertensive Crisis

A severe increase in blood pressure that can occur with MAOIs if tyramine is ingested.

Anxiolytics

Medications used to relieve anxiety.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

Buspirone

A non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that acts as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors.

Stimulants

Medications primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

A stimulant drug often used to treat ADHD.

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)

A stimulant medication for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

A non-stimulant medication approved for treating ADHD.

Acamprosate (Campral)

A medication that helps with alcohol dependence recovery.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

A medication that creates an aversive reaction to alcohol.

Tyramine

A substance found in certain foods that can interact dangerously with MAOIs.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

Sedation

A calming effect that can lead to drowsiness.

Weight Gain

An increase in body weight, commonly seen as a side effect of some antidepressants.

Akathisia

A movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and inability to stay still.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical or psychological effects experienced upon the cessation of drug intake.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness often leading to the urge to vomit.

Dry Mouth

A common side effect where the mouth becomes unusually dry.

Constipation

A condition where an individual has infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Insomnia

Difficulty in falling or staying asleep.

Mood Stabilizers

Medications that help to control swings in mood in conditions like bipolar disorder.

Psychotropic Medications

Drugs that affect a person's mental state.

Acute Episodes

Sudden episodes of intense symptoms or behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns.

Mood Episodes

Distinct periods of mood disturbances, such as depression or mania.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals across synapses.

Mood Disorders

A category of mental health disorders characterized by significant changes in mood.

Side Effects

Unintended and often adverse effects of medication.

Dosage Range

The recommended spectrum of dosages for a medication.

Therapeutic Effect

The intended beneficial effect of a medication.

Drug Interactions

Effects that occur when one drug affects the efficacy or side effects of another.

Half-life

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce to half.