Share This Link

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotics do not increase dopamine and serotonin receptors, but block them.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotics do not increase dopamine receptors, but block them.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotics do not decrease dopamine receptors, but block them. Decreasing dopamine receptors would reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotics.

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotic medications are not only used to treat psychotic symptoms, but also negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal, flattened affect, and anhedonia.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotic medications are not only used to treat schizophrenia, but also other psychotic disorders, such as schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotic medications are effective in treating other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some antipsychotics also have antiemetic effects, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine).

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotic medications do have adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and agranulocytosis.

Choice B is wrong because antipsychotic medications can have more than mild adverse effects, such as drowsiness. Some of the adverse effects can be serious and life-threatening, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotic medications do not only cause serious adverse effects. Some of the adverse effects can be mild and manageable, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

Choice B is wrong because acetylcholine and norepinephrine are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning, while norepinephrine is involved in arousal and stress. Antipsychotics may have some effects on these neurotransmitters, but they are not their primary targets.

Choice C is wrong because GABA and glutamate are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases neuronal activity. Antipsychotics may have some effects on these neurotransmitters, but they are not their primary targets.

Choice D is wrong because dopamine and GABA are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics. As mentioned above, dopamine is one of the primary targets of antipsychotics, but GABA is not. Antipsychotics may have some effects on GABA, but they are not their primary targets.

This is caused by the blockade of histamine receptors in the brain and can affect alertness, concentration, and coordination.

Sedation is more common with older antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol than with newer ones such as risperidone and quetiapine.

This is caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the salivary glands and can lead to dental problems, difficulty swallowing, and increased thirst.

Dry mouth is more common with older antipsychotics than with newer ones.

This is also caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the eye muscles and can affect visual acuity and accommodation.

Blurred vision is more common with older antipsychotics than with newer ones.

Choice B is wrong because antipsychotics usually increase appetite, not decrease it. This can lead to weight gain and metabolic problems.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotics do not cause increased energy and restlessness. These symptoms may indicate a manic episode or akathisia, which is a movement disorder that can be caused by antipsychotics.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotics do not directly improve mood. They are used to treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be needed to treat mood disorders.

Choice A is wrong because “I have been feeling a bit dizzy when I stand up.” This statement indicates a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications called orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. It is usually mild and transient, and can be managed by rising slowly and avoiding dehydration.

Choice B is wrong because “I have been experiencing dry mouth and constipation.” This statement indicates another common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications called anticholinergic effects, which are caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the peripheral nervous system. They include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and tachycardia. They are usually mild and can be managed by drinking fluids, chewing sugarless gum, using artificial tears, and increasing dietary fiber.

Choice C is wrong because “I have noticed a slight increase in my blood sugar levels.” This statement indicates a possible adverse effect of antipsychotic medications called hyperglycemia, which is an elevation of blood glucose levels. It is more common with atypical antipsychotics than with typical antipsychotics, and it may increase the risk of diabetes mellitus. It is usually monitored by regular blood tests and controlled by diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

Choice A is wrong because weight loss and hypotension are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics. In fact, weight gain is more likely to occur.

Choice B is wrong because hyperactivity and insomnia are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics. These medications may cause difficulty sleeping and extreme tiredness.

Choice C is wrong because blurred vision and urinary retention are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics. These medications may cause dry mouth and constipation.