Schizophrenia: Medications and other Treatments

Flashcards about Schizophrenia Medications and other Treatments

Dopamine antagonists

Decrease dopamine activity in the brain

Neurotransmitters

Affect mood, behavior, & emotions

Depot (LAI)

Orals are usually tried before this type of antipsychotic is considered.

Typical/conventional/1st generation antipsychotics

Effective in treating positive symptoms of psychosis but limited effect on negative symptoms; associated with extrapyramidal and anticholinergic effects.

Atypical/unconventional/2nd generation antipsychotics

Effective in treating positive and negative symptoms of psychosis; decreased risk of extrapyramidal effects; associated with anticholinergic effects and risk of metabolic syndrome.

Extrapyramidal effects

Movement disorders associated with 1st generation antipsychotics

Anticholinergic effects

Examples include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Rare but life-threatening side effect of 1st generation antipsychotics.

Positive symptoms of psychosis

Includes hallucinations and delusions.

Negative symptoms of psychosis

Includes amotivation.

Clozapine (Clopine)

Requires careful monitoring of white blood cells and absolute neutrophil count due to risk of agranulocytosis

Busiprone (BuSpar®)

Anxiolytic without risk of dependence, used to manage side effects of antipsychotics

Metabolic syndrome

Characterized by abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, high-density cholesterol levels, elevated fasting glucose, and hypertension

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Potentially lethal side effect more common with typical, high-potency antipsychotics

Anxiolytics

Used in conjunction with antipsychotics to restore calm, facilitate rest, and reduce anxiety

Clozapine & olanzapine

Cigarette smoking significantly induces the metabolism of these medications.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps an individual make sense of their perceptual experiences by making links between emotional states, thoughts, and earlier life events