1
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Advanced Pharmacology -
Psychopharmacology Questions and
Answers (100% Correct Answers) Already
Graded A+
What is the principal indication for antipsychotic medication? [
ANS: ] Schizophrenia, but many are used for Bipolar Disorder as
well.
What is schizophrenia? [ ANS: ] A chronic illness characterized by
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disordered thinking and reduced comprehension of reality.
What 3 types of symptoms does schizophrenia include? [ ANS: ] 1.
Positive symptoms - hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. 2.
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Negative symptoms - blunted affect, poverty of speech, and
social withdrawal. 3. Cognitive dysfunction - disordered thinking,
reduced ability to focus attention, learning and memory
difficulties.
What are the 2 groups of antipsychotic drugs called? [ ANS: ] 1.
First Generation Antipsychotics (FGA) 2. Second Generation
Antipsychotics (SGA).
Which group of antipsychotics are more effective? FGA's or
SGA's? [ ANS: ] They are equally effective at treating
schizophrenia.
What side effects do you see most often with FGA's? [ ANS: ] EPS -
Dystonic Reactions, Parkinsonism, Akathisia and Tardive Dyskinesia.
What is the biggest side effect risk you see with SGA's? [ ANS: ]
Metabolic Syndromes - Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Weight Gain
Can you treat the elderly with dementia-related psychosis with
antipsychotic medications? [ ANS: ] No. Both groups increase the
risk of mortality in these patients.
, 2
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How quickly do you see improvement in symptoms with
schizophrenia when adding an antipsychotic drug? [ ANS: ]
Initially, with adequate dosing, symptoms can begin to resolve
within 1-2 days. However, significant improvement takes 1-2 weeks
and a full response may take several months.
How do FGA's work? [ ANS: ] Strong blockade of D2 receptors.
How do SGA's work? [ ANS: ] Moderate blockade of D2 and strong
blockade of 5HT receptors.
What is the best treatment for an acute dystonic reactions and
parkinsonism symptoms? [ ANS: ] Anticholinergics - cogentin
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What is the best treatment for akathisia? [ ANS: ] Beta blockers or
benzodiazepines or anticholinergics
Guru01 - Stuvia
How do you treat Tardive Dyskinesia? [ ANS: ] You can't really. If
severe, sometimes switching medication helps.
The risk of early EPS with FGA's is highest with high-potency meds
rather than low potency meds. When is the highest risk for TD? [
ANS: ] Equal risk with both.
A patient has a higher risk of these adverse effects with low
potency FGA's. List them. [ ANS: ] Sedation
Orthostatic hypotension
Anticholinergic effects .
What is neuroleptic syndrome? [ ANS: ] Rare but serious reaction
that carries a 4% risk of mortality. Primary symptoms:
"lead pipe" rigidity
sudden high fever
Sweating
, 3
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Autonomic instability manifested as dysrhythmias and fluctuations
in BP
LOC may rise or fall
May appear confused or mute
Seizures or coma may develop
Death can result from respiratory failure, CV collapse,
dysrhythmias, and other causes.
**More likely with high potency FGA's!
© 2025 Assignment Expert
How do you treat neuroleptic syndrome? [ ANS: ] Supportive
measures
Drug therapy
Guru01 - Stuvia
Immediate DC'ing of antipsychotics
Cooling blankets
Antipyretics
Hydration
Benzo's to relieve anxiety and reduce BP and tachycardia
2 drugs: Dantrolene - reduces muscle rigidity and hyperthermia
Bromocriptine - may relieve CNS toxicity.
Acute symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and
hallucinations. What are a few of the residual symptoms? [ ANS: ]
1. Suspiciousness
2. Poor anxiety management
3. Diminished judgment, insight, motivation, and capacity for self-
care.
For Expert help and assignment solutions, +254707240657
Advanced Pharmacology -
Psychopharmacology Questions and
Answers (100% Correct Answers) Already
Graded A+
What is the principal indication for antipsychotic medication? [
ANS: ] Schizophrenia, but many are used for Bipolar Disorder as
well.
What is schizophrenia? [ ANS: ] A chronic illness characterized by
© 2025 Assignment Expert
disordered thinking and reduced comprehension of reality.
What 3 types of symptoms does schizophrenia include? [ ANS: ] 1.
Positive symptoms - hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. 2.
Guru01 - Stuvia
Negative symptoms - blunted affect, poverty of speech, and
social withdrawal. 3. Cognitive dysfunction - disordered thinking,
reduced ability to focus attention, learning and memory
difficulties.
What are the 2 groups of antipsychotic drugs called? [ ANS: ] 1.
First Generation Antipsychotics (FGA) 2. Second Generation
Antipsychotics (SGA).
Which group of antipsychotics are more effective? FGA's or
SGA's? [ ANS: ] They are equally effective at treating
schizophrenia.
What side effects do you see most often with FGA's? [ ANS: ] EPS -
Dystonic Reactions, Parkinsonism, Akathisia and Tardive Dyskinesia.
What is the biggest side effect risk you see with SGA's? [ ANS: ]
Metabolic Syndromes - Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Weight Gain
Can you treat the elderly with dementia-related psychosis with
antipsychotic medications? [ ANS: ] No. Both groups increase the
risk of mortality in these patients.
, 2
For Expert help and assignment solutions, +254707240657
How quickly do you see improvement in symptoms with
schizophrenia when adding an antipsychotic drug? [ ANS: ]
Initially, with adequate dosing, symptoms can begin to resolve
within 1-2 days. However, significant improvement takes 1-2 weeks
and a full response may take several months.
How do FGA's work? [ ANS: ] Strong blockade of D2 receptors.
How do SGA's work? [ ANS: ] Moderate blockade of D2 and strong
blockade of 5HT receptors.
What is the best treatment for an acute dystonic reactions and
parkinsonism symptoms? [ ANS: ] Anticholinergics - cogentin
© 2025 Assignment Expert
What is the best treatment for akathisia? [ ANS: ] Beta blockers or
benzodiazepines or anticholinergics
Guru01 - Stuvia
How do you treat Tardive Dyskinesia? [ ANS: ] You can't really. If
severe, sometimes switching medication helps.
The risk of early EPS with FGA's is highest with high-potency meds
rather than low potency meds. When is the highest risk for TD? [
ANS: ] Equal risk with both.
A patient has a higher risk of these adverse effects with low
potency FGA's. List them. [ ANS: ] Sedation
Orthostatic hypotension
Anticholinergic effects .
What is neuroleptic syndrome? [ ANS: ] Rare but serious reaction
that carries a 4% risk of mortality. Primary symptoms:
"lead pipe" rigidity
sudden high fever
Sweating
, 3
For Expert help and assignment solutions, +254707240657
Autonomic instability manifested as dysrhythmias and fluctuations
in BP
LOC may rise or fall
May appear confused or mute
Seizures or coma may develop
Death can result from respiratory failure, CV collapse,
dysrhythmias, and other causes.
**More likely with high potency FGA's!
© 2025 Assignment Expert
How do you treat neuroleptic syndrome? [ ANS: ] Supportive
measures
Drug therapy
Guru01 - Stuvia
Immediate DC'ing of antipsychotics
Cooling blankets
Antipyretics
Hydration
Benzo's to relieve anxiety and reduce BP and tachycardia
2 drugs: Dantrolene - reduces muscle rigidity and hyperthermia
Bromocriptine - may relieve CNS toxicity.
Acute symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and
hallucinations. What are a few of the residual symptoms? [ ANS: ]
1. Suspiciousness
2. Poor anxiety management
3. Diminished judgment, insight, motivation, and capacity for self-
care.
