NR546 Week 3: Antipsychotic Medications Table

By /

Course

 NR546 Advanced Pharmacology: Psychopharmacology for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Requirements

Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the assignment. Contact your course faculty if you have questions.

General Instructions

Download the Week 3 Medication Table Download Week 3 Medication TableOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader and complete the required information using the template.

Include the following sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric)

  1. For each medication listed, complete the following:
    1. Provide indication, target symptoms, potency, and affected neurotransmitters.
    2. Include half-life and CYP 450 enzyme information.
    3. List notable side effects.
    4. Link notable side effects to the associated pathway or neurotransmitter.
How to Approach This Assignment

This assignment focuses on your ability to connect pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical application.

To complete the table accurately:

Indication & Target Symptoms

  • Identify the FDA-approved indication(s).

  • Clarify which specific psychiatric symptoms the medication addresses.

  • Differentiate between primary and off-label uses when applicable.

Potency & Neurotransmitter Effects

  • Identify whether the medication is high, moderate, or low potency (if applicable).

  • Explain which neurotransmitters are affected (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine).

  • Specify receptor targets (D2, 5-HT2A, etc.) when relevant.

Half-Life & CYP 450 Information

  • Include elimination half-life (short vs. long-acting).

  • Identify major CYP enzymes involved (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP3A4).

  • Note potential drug interactions related to enzyme metabolism.

Notable Side Effects

  • List clinically significant side effects (not every minor reaction).

  • Include:

    • Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

    • Weight gain

    • Sedation

    • QT prolongation

    • Sexual dysfunction

    • Metabolic changes

Link Side Effects to Pathways

This is where many students lose points.

You must explain:

  • Dopamine blockade → EPS, hyperprolactinemia

  • Histamine blockade → sedation, weight gain

  • Muscarinic blockade → dry mouth, constipation

  • Serotonin effects → sexual dysfunction

  • Alpha-1 blockade → orthostatic hypotension

This demonstrates understanding beyond memorization.

Key Concepts to Focus On

  • Receptor pharmacodynamics

  • Mechanism of action

  • Metabolic pathways

  • Drug-drug interactions

  • Neurotransmitter-pathway relationships

  • Clinical safety considerations

Sample solution

Click below to access the full sample solution (PDF)