Medication Exam Questions and Answers
Graded A+
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - Correct answer-Type of antidepressant
that work by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain
Take 4-6 weeks to reach maximum clinical effectiveness
SSRI Benefits - Correct answer-Fewer adverse effects than tricyclics and MAOIs
Very few drug-drug or drug-food interactions
Ok for cardiac patients
SSRIs Action - Correct answer-Selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake
Increased serotonin concentrations at nerve endings
SSRIs Indications - Correct answer-depression
anxiety
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,panic disorder
aggression
anorexia nervosa
OCD
SSRI contraindications - Correct answer-Allergy
SSRI Adverse Effects - Correct answer-Renal and Hepatic impairment
Suicidal Ideation (especially within the first few weeks)
Caution when used with other antidepressants
Headache
Dizziness
N/V/D
Weight gain or loss of appetite
Fluoxetine - Correct answer-SSRI antidepressant
Monitor for tremors since this can cause serotonin syndrome within 2-72 hours
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, Do not use with St. Johns Wort = serotonin syndrome
Do not use with evening primrose = seizures
Antipsychotics - Correct answer-A class of psychotropic medications used for the
treatment of schizophrenia and other disorders that involve psychosis
Antagonism at D2 receptos
1st generation antipsychotics - Correct answer-produce antipsychotic effects at 60-
80% D2 occupancy
2nd Generation antipsychotics - Correct answer-therapeutic effect through some
D2 blockade, but more from the blockade of serotonin receptors
Haloperidol - Correct answer-1st gen antipsychotic
Mainly used for Tourette's
Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain
Risperidone - Correct answer-2nd gen antipsychotic
Used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar, and irritability r/t autism
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Graded A+
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - Correct answer-Type of antidepressant
that work by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain
Take 4-6 weeks to reach maximum clinical effectiveness
SSRI Benefits - Correct answer-Fewer adverse effects than tricyclics and MAOIs
Very few drug-drug or drug-food interactions
Ok for cardiac patients
SSRIs Action - Correct answer-Selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake
Increased serotonin concentrations at nerve endings
SSRIs Indications - Correct answer-depression
anxiety
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,panic disorder
aggression
anorexia nervosa
OCD
SSRI contraindications - Correct answer-Allergy
SSRI Adverse Effects - Correct answer-Renal and Hepatic impairment
Suicidal Ideation (especially within the first few weeks)
Caution when used with other antidepressants
Headache
Dizziness
N/V/D
Weight gain or loss of appetite
Fluoxetine - Correct answer-SSRI antidepressant
Monitor for tremors since this can cause serotonin syndrome within 2-72 hours
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, Do not use with St. Johns Wort = serotonin syndrome
Do not use with evening primrose = seizures
Antipsychotics - Correct answer-A class of psychotropic medications used for the
treatment of schizophrenia and other disorders that involve psychosis
Antagonism at D2 receptos
1st generation antipsychotics - Correct answer-produce antipsychotic effects at 60-
80% D2 occupancy
2nd Generation antipsychotics - Correct answer-therapeutic effect through some
D2 blockade, but more from the blockade of serotonin receptors
Haloperidol - Correct answer-1st gen antipsychotic
Mainly used for Tourette's
Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain
Risperidone - Correct answer-2nd gen antipsychotic
Used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar, and irritability r/t autism
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
