What class of drug is primarily used to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels?
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Understand common psychotropic medications, their targets, and side effects for clinical insight or exam preparation.
Mastering this deck will enable you to identify key medications used in mental health treatment, understand their mechanisms of action, and anticipate potential side effects—crucial skills for clinical decision-making and exam success.
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| # | Front | Back | Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What class of drug is primarily used to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels? | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Think 'S' for serotonin and 'S' for selective. |
| 2 | Name two common SSRIs used in clinical practice. | Fluoxetine and sertraline | Fluoxetine is Prozac; sertraline is Zoloft. |
| 3 | What is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines? | Enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors, producing sedative and anxiolytic effects. | Think 'B' for Benzodiazepines and 'B' for calming GABA activity. |
| 4 | Which class of antidepressants is associated with a risk of serotonin syndrome and requires careful monitoring? | Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs | Monitor for symptoms like agitation, confusion, and hyperreflexia. |
| 5 | Name a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). | Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation. | Think 'dry' for anticholinergic side effects. |
| 6 | What is the primary use of lithium in psychiatric treatment? | Management of bipolar disorder, particularly for preventing manic and depressive episodes. | Remember 'L' for Lithium and 'L' for mood stabilization. |
| 7 | Which medication class is considered first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder? | SSRIs and SNRIs | They are preferred due to efficacy and safety profile. |
| 8 | Name a common adverse effect associated with atypical antipsychotics like clozapine. | Agranulocytosis, which requires regular blood monitoring. | Clozapine's serious side effect involves blood cell counts. |
| 9 | What medication is often used to augment treatment-resistant depression and can cause weight gain and metabolic syndrome? | Atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine. | Think 'O' for olanzapine and 'O' for obesity-related side effects. |
| 10 | Which class of medication is primarily used to treat bipolar manic episodes? | Mood stabilizers, especially lithium and valproate. | Think 'mood stabilizers' for mood swings. |
| 11 | What is the main side effect concern with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)? | Hypertensive crisis caused by dietary tyramine interactions. | Avoid aged cheeses and cured meats while on MAOIs. |
| 12 | Which psychotropic medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of congenital malformations? | Valproate (valproic acid). | Valproate and pregnancy both start with 'V'. |
| 13 | What is a common side effect of second-generation antipsychotics (atypical antipsychotics)? | Weight gain, sedation, and metabolic syndrome. | They often cause metabolic side effects more than first-generation antipsychotics. |
| 14 | Which medication is primarily used for ADHD and works as a stimulant? | Methylphenidate or amphetamines. | Stimulants for attention. |
| 15 | Name a common non-stimulant medication used for ADHD. | Atomoxetine. | Think 'a' for atomoxetine and attention. |
| 16 | What is the primary concern when prescribing antipsychotics to elderly patients with dementia? | Increased risk of cerebrovascular events and mortality. | Be cautious with antipsychotics in dementia—risk of strokes. |
| 17 | Which medication class is associated with the side effect of tardive dyskinesia? | First-generation (typical) antipsychotics. | Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder linked to older antipsychotics. |
| 18 | What is the mechanism of action of buspirone, used for generalized anxiety disorder? | Partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence. | Think 'buspirone' and 'serotonin' for anxiety. |
| 19 | Which class of drugs is most likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)? | First-generation (typical) antipsychotics. | EPS includes tremors, rigidity, and akathisia. |
| 20 | Name a medication used to treat alcohol dependence that acts as an aversive agent. | Disulfiram. | Disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions with alcohol. |
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