Neurotransmitters & Their Role
This neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation and is targeted by SSRIs.
serotonin
This class of antidepressants is the safest but often causes sexual dysfunction.
SSRIs
Haldol and Prolixin belong to this class of first-generation antipsychotics.
typical antipsychotics
This classic mood stabilizer requires regular monitoring of blood levels.
lithium
This class of antidepressants can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods.
MAOIs
This neurotransmitter is involved in motivation and pleasure but is overactive in schizophrenia.
Dopamine
Patients taking MAOIs must avoid foods high in this substance to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
tyramine
Which Atypical antipsychotics treat both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine and serotonin.
Risperdal, Abilify, and Seroquel
Lithium’s therapeutic range is between these two numbers
0.6 – 1.4 mEq/L
Tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, is characterized by these involuntary movements
lip smacking, facial grimacing, and tongue rolling
This neurotransmitter is increased by SNRIs and helps with alertness and arousal.
Norepinephrine
This TCA is dangerous in overdose due to its cardiac toxicity and is often dispensed in a 7-day supply.
Elavil (amitriptyline)
This atypical antipsychotic requires weekly WBC monitoring due to its risk of agranulocytosis.
Clozaril (clozapine)
Benzodiazepines should be tapered slowly to prevent this severe withdrawal symptom.
Seizures
This inhibitory neurotransmitter is enhanced by benzodiazepines to reduce anxiety.
GABA
This atypical antidepressant increases the risk of seizures but does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain.
Wellbutrin (bupropion)
This atypical antipsychotic can cause significant weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
This benzodiazepine is used for acute anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, and seizures
What is Ativan (lorazepam)
This SSRI side effect can be life-threatening and includes agitation, hyperreflexia, fever, and tremors.
serotonin syndrome
This life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications causes severe muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and fever.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
This non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic takes weeks to work and does not cause dependence.
Buspar (buspirone)
This antipsychotic side effect causes rigidity, autonomic instability, hyperthermia, and altered mental status and can lead to renal failure.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)