Phar 642 - Principles of Drug Action » Spring 2022 » Psychopharmacology

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Question #1
A chemical decreases the release of norepinephrine into the synapse by activating a presynaptic receptor. What receptor is the most likely target of this chemical?
A.   beta-2 adrenergic receptors
B.   alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
C.   alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
D.   beta-1 adrenergic receptors
Question #2
A 21-year-old male patient was recently prescribed a drug to treat depression that increases the activity of serotonin in the synapse. What molecular mechanism most likely contributes to the beneficial effects of this drug for this patient?
A.   Decreased activation of 5HT autoreceptors
B.   Inhibition of catechol-o-methyl transferase
C.   Increased activation of NET
D.   Activation of monoamine oxidase
Question #3
What cranial nerve is thought to be irritated during migraine?
A.   Olfactory nerve
B.   Trigeminal nerve
C.   Optic nerve
D.   Facial nerve
Question #4
A 21-year-old male patient was recently prescribed lithium to treat bipolar disorder. What molecular mechanism most likely contributes to the beneficial effects of this drug for this patient?
A.   Increased serotonin synthesis
B.   Elevated intracellular levels of inositol
C.   Increased synaptic norepinephrine release
D.   Increased expression of glutamate NMDA receptors
Question #5
A 32-year-old male patient with a history of depression was admitted to the emergency room due to severe headache, confusion, chest pain and shortness of breath. His blood pressure on admission was 200/120 mm/Hg. What most likely caused the patient’s adverse drug reaction?
A.   Antagonism of the serotonin transporter (SERT)
B.   Increased serotonin synthesis and release
C.   Increased conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine
D.   Antagonism of the norepinephrine transporter (NET)
E.   Inhibition of gastrointestinal monoamine oxidase A

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