Neurotransmitters and Drugs for CNS Disorders

Flashcards based on lecture notes about Neurotransmitters and Drugs for CNS Disorders.

What is the relationship between dopamine levels and psychosis?

Too much dopamine is linked to psychosis, like schizophrenia.

What effect does low serotonin have on mood regulation?

Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression.

How does norepinephrine affect mood and alertness?

Low norepinephrine levels can affect mood and alertness.

How do CNS drugs generally affect neurotransmitter levels?

They work by boosting neurotransmitter levels or stopping their breakdown.

What type of medication is used to treat psychosis?

Antipsychotics (1st or 2nd gen)

What medications are used to treat mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder?

Antidepressants, lithium, or valproate.

What medications are used to treat anxiety?

Antidepressants (long-term) or benzodiazepines (short-term).

How do first-generation antipsychotics work?

Blocks dopamine.

What are the positive symptoms of psychosis that 1st-generation antipsychotics treat?

Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

What is Akathisia?

Restlessness, can't sit still.

What is Akinesia?

Loss of movement.

What is Dystonia?

Muscle spasms.

What is Parkinsonism?

Tremors.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Permanent facial twitching/movements.

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

Blood pressure drops when standing, which may cause fainting.

What is Reflex tachycardia?

Heart races to try to balance low blood pressure.

What are Anticholinergic effects?

Dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision.

What are the dental implications of first-generation antipsychotics?

Xerostomia, TMJ issues, syncope (fainting from standing too quickly).

How do 2nd generation antipsychotics work?

Block dopamine, serotonin, & norepinephrine.

What symptoms of psychosis do 2nd-generation antipsychotics treat?

They treat both positive & negative symptoms of psychosis.

What are the major risks associated with 2nd-generation antipsychotics?

Agranulocytosis (dangerously low white cells), diabetes, and weight gain.

What are the dental implications of second-generation antipsychotics?

Xerostomia, sedation, blood pressure changes.

How do SSRIs work?

Keeps more serotonin in the brain by stopping its reuptake.

What are the side effects of SSRIs?

GI issues, CNS stimulation, weight loss, dry mouth or too much saliva, taste change, canker sores, Black box warning (suicidal thoughts).

How do SNRIs work?

Boost both serotonin & norepinephrine.

What are the side effects of SNRIs?

The side effects are the same as SSRIs.

How do TCAs work?

Block reuptake of serotonin & norepinephrine.

What are the side effects of TCAs?

Weight gain, cardiac toxicity, sedation, anticholinergic effects.

What could epinephrine due, and what dose should be used?

Could cause sky-high blood pressure; use the cardiac dose.

How do MAOIs work?

Stops enzymes from breaking down neurotransmitters and keeps more serotonin, dopamine, & norepinephrine in your brain.

Why are MAOIs considered dangerous?

Dangerous due to food restrictions, bad interactions with other drugs, hypertensive crisis.

What does ECT stand for?

Electroconvulsive Therapy

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

A treatment option for severe depression that uses electrical stimulation to induce a controlled seizure under anesthesia; helps reset brain chemistry when medications are ineffective, but causes memory loss.

What is the cardiac dose of epinephrine?

0.04 mg or 2 cartridges of 1:100,000.

What's a main 1st-gen antipsychotic also used as an antiemetic?

Prochlorperazine

What's a main 2nd-gen antipsychotic?

Clozapine

What's the prototype drug for SSRIs?

Prozac

What's the prototype drug for SNRIs?

Effexor

What's the prototype drug for TCA?

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

What does Lithium do?

mood stabilizer

What is the black box warning for anti-depressants?

suicide risk (especially in young patients early on)

What is the black box warning for 2nd-gen anti psychotics?

risk of diabetes & agranulocytosis