Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
Define antipsychotic drugs
Drugs that help combat psychosis
Define psychosis
A severe form of mental illness that includes hallucinations and paranoia
Why does psychosis occur?
Increased dopamine activity in specific CNS pathways
How do all antipsychotic drugs work?
Block CNS dopamine receptors, esp D2 receptors in the limbic system
What is the difference between traditional and atypical agents for antipsychotic meds?
Traditional have been used for a long time, atypical are newer and have fewer side effects
What are (2) popular traditional antipsychotic medications? (brand name)
Thorazine, Haldol
What are (4) popular atypical antipsychotic medications? (brand name)
Clozaril
Risperdal
Zyprexa
Seroquel
How are atypical antipsychotics different from traditional? (3 ways)
Don't block D2 pathways as much
Block serotonin pathways
Have fewer side effects
What are some of the side effects of traditional antipsychotic drugs? (3)
Orthostatic hypotension
Sedation
Anticholinergic effects
What are some of the side effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs? (3)
Weight gain
Disturbed lipid glucose metabolism
Extrapyramidal (motor) side effects
What are the motor side effects of atypical antipsychotics? (4)
Tardive dyskinesia
PseudoParkinsonism
Akathisia
Other dystonias and dyskinesias
Define tardive dyskinesia
Extensive movements around the face and jaw
Might be permanent
Define akathisia
Extreme restlessness, inability to stop moving
Why do antispychotic meds cause motor symptoms?
Because they are messing around with dopamine, which helps with motor function in the basal ganglia
What are some risk factors for developing tardive dyskinesia? (6)
Advanced age
Genetics
Mood disorders
TIIDM
Hx of alcohol abuse
Over 6+ mos use
What sort of drugs are used to stop tardive dyskinesia?
Drugs that block vesicular transporters in pre-synaptic terminals
Define neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
A syndrome d/t too many antipsychotics
Symptoms: Catatonia, rigidity, tremors, fever
What are the main concerns for PTs when working with pts with antipsychotic medications? (3)
May see trade-off between benefits and sedation
Be alert for orthostatic hypotension
Recognize extrapyramidal side effects early
What type of brain degeneration leads to AD?
The destruction of normal brain activity due to plaque protein build up, leading to degeneration
How is ACh affected in people with AD?
Neuronal changes lead to decreased ACh activity in the brain
How do cholinergic stimulants decrease symptoms of AD?
The drug inhibits AChase, keeping ACh in the cleft for longer
What are some of the current agents used to reduce the function of AChase for people with AD? (4) (brand names)
Aricept
Razadyne
Exelon
Cognex
Why do some anti-dementia drugs appear to lose their effectiveness with the worsening of dementia?
If there is no longer any ACh release in the cleft, the drugs may appear to lose effectiveness
How does Namenda work to help people with AD?
Blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, prevents too much NMDA receptor activity
How does Namzaric work to help people with AD?
Increases ACh in the cleft PLUS blocks NMDA receptors (combines two major AD drugs)
How does Aducanumab work to help people with AD?
The antibody binds to amyloid beta protein fragments, decreases their ability to accumulate into plaques in brain neurons
What are some other drugs used to help regulate mood and behavior challenges for people with AD? (3)
Antidepressants
Antianxiety
Antipsychotics
What are some non-pharmacological interventions that can be performed to decrease mood and behavior problems in pts with AD? (2)
Make the environment more familiar
Make the environment more home-like
