PHARMACOLOGY BLOCK 2 : CNS & PAIN

1. Identify 6 principal chemical transmitters involved in brain
function and the functions they influence.

2. Identify some illnesses that are based on alterations in
neurotransmitters in the brain.

3. Identify where drugs can be designed to work in the chemicaltransmitter-
receptor systems.

neurotransmission disease is

1. Which neurotransmitters are involved in the following functions?
(a) mood
(b) vomiting
(c) memory
(d) skeletal muscle movement

2. State which neurotransmitters are involved in the following
conditions. State whether there is too much neurotransmitter or too
little and then explain how drugs could be used to help in the
treatment of the condition
(a) depression
(b) psychotic episodes
(c) Parkinsons

psychosis is
neurosis is

discuss the appropriate use, mechanism of action and adverse
effects of antipsychotic drugs and identify key concerns with their
use.

Compare and contrast the typical and atypical antipsychotics as
regards drug action, onset, and adverse effects.

The therapeutic effects of antispychotic drugs are believed to be due
to reduced transmission/ action of which neurotransmitter?

Read the article: Pollard, A., Friedman, T. & Aslam, M.
(1994). Tranquillising actions. Nursing Times, 90 (11), 34-36,
and answer the following questions.
2. (a) Tardive dyskinesia is an EPS of some antipsychotic drugs.
When would you see this adverse effect develop?
(b) How can the risk of tardive dyskinesia be minimised?
(c) Skin reactions are a common problem with phenothiazines, and
chlorpromazine in particular. What would you advise the
patient if they are taking chlorpromazine?
(d) If a patient is taking Clozapine, what must be done regularly to
ensure that the drug is not toxic to the person?

3. One of the adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs is parkinsonism.
Explain why this occurs.

Read the article: Gray, R. (2001). Medication for schizophrenia.
Nursing Times, 97 (31), 38-39, and answer the following
questions.
4. (a) Name the typical and atypical drugs.
(b) Explain the difference between typical antipsychotics and
atypical antipsychotics?

Read the article: Buist, A. (1998, April). Understanding
postpartum psychiatric disorders. New Ethicals Journal, 43,
46-47, and answer the following questions.
5. (a) What are the presenting symptoms for postpartum psychosis
and when do they occur?
(b) What is the pharmacological treatment for postpartum
psychosis?
(c) Do psychotropic medications pass into breastmilk? What are
the implications?
(d) Why should Lithium be avoided?