Shake, Rattle & Roll
This combination therapy pairs a drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier with one that remains in the periphery to prevent premature conversion, increasing dopamine availability in the basal ganglia.
What is Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa)?
This class of antidepressants works by preventing the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
What are SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)?
This class of antidepressants is the most popular because of tolerability, safety in overdose, broad-spectrum use, and low cost.
What are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
This short-acting beta-2 agonist is commonly used as a rescue inhaler during an acute asthma attack.
What is albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)?
This over-the-counter antacid works by neutralizing stomach acid through a reaction with hydrogen ions
What is calcium carbonate (TUMS)?
This phenomenon occurs when a patient's response fluctuates within a single medication dosing cycle.
What is the on-off phenomenon?
This neurotransmitter receptor is the primary binding site for benzodiazepines, leading to increased inhibition in the CNS.
What is the GABA receptor?
This antidepressant class has largely fallen out of favor because overdose can cause coma, convulsions, and cardiotoxicity
What are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
These drugs act as alpha-1 receptor agonists to constrict nasal blood vessels and reduce congestion
What are decongestants?
This class of medications includes famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet) and works by blocking histamine receptors involved in acid secretion.
What are H₂ blockers?
Candidates for this surgical intervention must have demonstrated a positive response to levodopa at some point during their disease course.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
This medication is used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose but often requires repeated administration because it has a shorter duration of action than the drugs it reverses.
What is flumazenil?
The classic drug used to treat bipolar disorder that is excreted unchanged by the kidneys and can become toxic during dehydration.
What is lithium?
A patient with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen is typically maintained within this oxygen saturation range to avoid worsening carbon dioxide retention.
What is 88% to 92% SaO₂?
Patients taking omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole should take these medications under this condition to maximize absorption.
What is on an empty stomach?
According to medication timing recommendations, this nutrient can inhibit levodopa absorption and should be consumed after taking the medication.
What is protein?
Unlike benzodiazepines, this antianxiety medication is a partial serotonin and dopamine agonist, has minimal abuse potential, and requires 3 to 4 weeks to become effective.
What is buspirone?
**Daily Double**
Deficiency of this neurotrophic factor is theorized to contribute to depression by shrinking the hippocampus and altering gene expression.
What is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)?
These medications help prevent exercise-induced and antigen-induced bronchospasm by targeting inflammatory mediators.
What are leukotriene inhibitors (leukotriene receptor blockers)?
Overuse of this medication class can lead to dependence, GI irritation, and reduced normal bowel function.
What are laxatives?
These are the two enzyme systems targeted by certain Parkinson's medications because they break down dopamine.
What are MAO-B and COMT?
This adverse effect of long-term antipsychotic use is characterized by involuntary lip smacking, tongue movements, and facial grimacing.
What is tardive dyskinesia?
A patient abruptly stops taking alprazolam after several months of use and develops anxiety, insomnia, and tremors. These symptoms are most likely due to this.
What is benzodiazepine withdrawal?
A patient with asthma experiences tremors and tachycardia after using a rescue inhaler. These side effects are associated with stimulation of this receptor type.
What are beta-2 adrenergic receptors?
This gastric acid suppression drug class includes omeprazole and esomeprazole and may require 3 to 4 days to achieve full effectiveness despite having a much shorter half-life.
What are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?