Neurological System Part 2: Mental Health Medications & Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering disorders and psychotropic medications from the lecture notes.

Benzodiazepines

A class of anxiolytics that enhance GABA inhibition; rapid CNS depressant effects; potential for tolerance, dependence, and CNS/respiratory depression.

Diazepam (Valium)

Prototype benzodiazepine; enhances GABA; used for GAD, panic, and seizures; IV/PO administration with monitoring; risk of sedation and dependence.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Benzodiazepine; similar use to other benzos (GAD, panic); rapid onset; potential for dependence and withdrawal.

Buspirone

Partial serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist; increases 5-HT availability; non-sedating; takes 2-4 weeks to work; low abuse potential.

Partial serotonin agonist

Drugs that partially stimulate serotonin receptors; exemplified by buspirone; provides anxiolytic effects with limited sedation.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Block NE and 5-HT reuptake; broad receptor effects; anticholinergic effects; sedation; orthostatic hypotension; high overdose risk.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Prototype TCA; NE/5-HT reuptake inhibition; many ADRs (anticholinergic, sedation, weight gain); bedtime dosing; overdose risk.

SSRI

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; block serotonin reuptake; onset 2-6 weeks; ADRs include insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain; monitor suicidality and avoid abrupt stops.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

SSRI prototype; often activating; may affect NE/DA; morning dosing recommended; takes 2-6 weeks to take effect.

Serotonin syndrome

Potentially life-threatening condition from excessive serotonergic activity; hyperthermia, agitation, autonomic instability, neuromuscular symptoms.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

SSRI; may affect dopamine pathways; used for depression and anxiety; monitor insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and suicidality.

Paroxetine (Paxil)

SSRI; often sedating; associated with weight gain and anticholinergic effects; potential drug interactions.

Citalopram (Celexa)

SSRI; can be sedating; potential cardiac issues (QT prolongation) in some patients.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

SSRI with relatively few ADRs; effective for anxiety; generally well tolerated.

Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

SNRI; blocks 5-HT and NE reuptake; ADR profile similar to SSRIs; monitor BP; used for depression and other conditions.

SNRI

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor; class including venlafaxine and duloxetine; increases availability of 5-HT and NE.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

Nonselective MAOI blockade increases DA, NE, and 5-HT; dietary restrictions (tyramine) and numerous drug interactions; risk hypertensive crisis.

Phenelzine (Nardil)

Prototype MAOI; used for treatment-resistant depression; requires tyramine-free diet; multiple interactions; BP monitoring.

Tyramine-containing foods

Aged cheeses, meats, yeasts, chocolate, alcohol; can trigger hypertensive crisis with MAOIs.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI); antidepressant and aid for smoking cessation; weight loss; seizure risk; stimulant effects.

NDRI

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor; class including bupropion; increases DA and NE availability.

Lithium carbonate (Lithobid)

Mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder; narrow therapeutic range; monitor levels (0.6–0.8 mEq/L) and organs (thyroid, kidneys); GI upset, tremor, toxicity risk.

Narrow therapeutic range

Small margin between therapeutic and toxic concentrations; requires regular monitoring (e.g., lithium levels).

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Mood stabilizer/anticonvulsant; treats mania and depression; risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome; monitor rash and liver/renal function.

Valproic acid

Mood stabilizer for mania; increases GABA; ADRs include weight gain, hyperglycemia, thrombocytopenia; potential liver dysfunction; contraindicated in pregnancy.

First-generation antipsychotics (FGA)

Traditional antipsychotics; block multiple receptors including DA; effective for schizophrenia but high EPS and NMS risk; QT prolongation.

Chlorpromazine

Prototype FGA; broad receptor blockade (DA, NE, Ach, histamine); suppresses schizophrenia symptoms but with high ADR burden and EPS risk.

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Potent FGA; strong D2 blockade; high risk of EPS; used for schizophrenia and agitation; monitor for dystonia and akathisia.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

Motor side effects from antipsychotics due to D2 blockade: dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics; fever, rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability; requires urgent treatment.

Clozapine

Second-generation antipsychotic; effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia; risk agranulocytosis; weekly CBC monitoring; dementia-related safety concerns.

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Second-generation antipsychotic; treats schizophrenia and bipolar; risk metabolic syndrome and EPS; CBC monitoring needed for some regimens.

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGA)

Atypical antipsychotics; block DA and 5-HT receptors; fewer EPS but higher risk of metabolic syndrome; Clozapine requires CBC monitoring; QT considerations.