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NR546 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS 2026
Trazodone (Desyrel) - correct-answer -INDICATION
-Depression
Mechanism of Action
-SARI (serotonin 2 antagonist/reuptake inhibitor). Blocks serotonin 2A receptors.
TESTS
-None for healthy individuals
Starting Dose
-150 mg/day in divided doses
Adverse Effects
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-dizziness, sedation, hypotension, Nausea, vomiting, edema, blurred vision,
constipation, dry mouth, headache, incoordination, tremor, hypotension,
syncope, occasional sinus bradycardia.
-Rare: rash, priapism.
Tricyclic antidepressants - correct-answer -SRI and NRI properties, but they also
block α1-adrenergic, histamine-1, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors
-not used first-line because of the high incidence of adverse effects and the risk of
potential overdose and death
• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• doxepin (Sinequan)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Alpha-1 adrenergic effects - correct-answer -Orthostatic hypotension
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Anticholinergic effects - correct-answer -Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Urinary retention
Constipation
Histamine effects - correct-answer -Weight gain
Sedation
MAOIs - correct-answer -first developed, LAST CHOICE medication class for
depression due to the many potential, serious side effects
-specific dietary restrictions, Foods that contain tyramine should be avoided (Red
wine, Sauerkraut, Cheese, Soy, Smoked meats)
-block enzymes responsible for the breakdown of 5-HT, NE, and DA
• two primary forms of the MAO enzyme: MAO-A and MAO-B
• both located in the brain, MAO-A also in gut
Drugs:
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-phenelzine (Nardil) - duration 14 days
-selegiline (Emsam) - MAOI-B - duration 14 days
-tranylcypromine (Parnate) -duration 14-30 days
-isocarboxazid (Marplan) - duration 14 days
Side effects:
-Confusion
-Dizziness
-Insomnia
-Sedation
-Vivid dreams
Pearls:
-high risk for hypertensive crisis if tyramine is ingested
-Do not prescribe any serotonergic agents within 2 weeks of MAOI
discontinuation due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome
-Wait at least 5 half-lives after discontinuing a serotonergic medication before
initiating an MAIO
NR546 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS 2026
Trazodone (Desyrel) - correct-answer -INDICATION
-Depression
Mechanism of Action
-SARI (serotonin 2 antagonist/reuptake inhibitor). Blocks serotonin 2A receptors.
TESTS
-None for healthy individuals
Starting Dose
-150 mg/day in divided doses
Adverse Effects
,2|Page
-dizziness, sedation, hypotension, Nausea, vomiting, edema, blurred vision,
constipation, dry mouth, headache, incoordination, tremor, hypotension,
syncope, occasional sinus bradycardia.
-Rare: rash, priapism.
Tricyclic antidepressants - correct-answer -SRI and NRI properties, but they also
block α1-adrenergic, histamine-1, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors
-not used first-line because of the high incidence of adverse effects and the risk of
potential overdose and death
• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• doxepin (Sinequan)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Alpha-1 adrenergic effects - correct-answer -Orthostatic hypotension
,3|Page
Anticholinergic effects - correct-answer -Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Urinary retention
Constipation
Histamine effects - correct-answer -Weight gain
Sedation
MAOIs - correct-answer -first developed, LAST CHOICE medication class for
depression due to the many potential, serious side effects
-specific dietary restrictions, Foods that contain tyramine should be avoided (Red
wine, Sauerkraut, Cheese, Soy, Smoked meats)
-block enzymes responsible for the breakdown of 5-HT, NE, and DA
• two primary forms of the MAO enzyme: MAO-A and MAO-B
• both located in the brain, MAO-A also in gut
Drugs:
, 4|Page
-phenelzine (Nardil) - duration 14 days
-selegiline (Emsam) - MAOI-B - duration 14 days
-tranylcypromine (Parnate) -duration 14-30 days
-isocarboxazid (Marplan) - duration 14 days
Side effects:
-Confusion
-Dizziness
-Insomnia
-Sedation
-Vivid dreams
Pearls:
-high risk for hypertensive crisis if tyramine is ingested
-Do not prescribe any serotonergic agents within 2 weeks of MAOI
discontinuation due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome
-Wait at least 5 half-lives after discontinuing a serotonergic medication before
initiating an MAIO
