NURS 660 - Psychopharmacology

NURS 660 - Psychopharmacology & Advanced Mental Health

Exam 1

Question:

How does aripiprazole work?

Answer:

• Partial agonism at dopamine 2 receptors
• Reduces dopamine output when dopamine is high thus improving positive

symptoms and mediating antipsychotic actions.

• Increases dopamine output when dopamine levels are low thus improving

cognition, negative, and mood symptoms

• Also acts on dopamine 3 receptors
• Blocks serotonin 2A receptors thus increasing dopamine

Question:

How long does it take aripiprazole to work?

Answer:

May begin working in one week. It is best to wait 4-6 weeks to see full efficacy.

• / 3

Question:

How does aripiprazole cause side effects?

Answer:

• Blocking alpha 1 adrenergic receptors causing dizziness, sedation, and

hypertension

• Partial agonist at dopamine 2 receptors in the striatum can cause motor

side effects such as akathisia

• Partial agonist at dopamine 2 receptor causing nausea, vomiting, and

activation side effects

Question:

Notable side effects of aripiprazole?

Answer:

1.Dizziness

• Insomnia
• Akathisia
• Activation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Constipation
• Headache, asthenia (muscle weakness)
• Theoretical risk of tardive dyskinisia

• / 3

Question:

What are the adverse effects (life threatening) of aripiprazole

Answer:

Impulse control problems NMS Seizures Cerebral vascular events Sedation and vomiting in overdose (not reported fatal)

Question:

What is the dosage for aripiprazole?

Answer:

15-30 mg daily for schizophrenia

Question:

What is Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)?

Answer:

Atypical antipsychotic Dopamine partial agonist Third generation antipsychotic

• / 3