PSYCH QUIZ 1 PSYCHO PHARMACOLOGY STUDY
GUIDE 30 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2025/2026
Benzodiazepines mediate the actions of the amino acid GABA, a major inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the brain. Because GABA receptor channels selectively admit
the anion chloride into neurons, activation of GABA receptors hyperpolarizes
neurons and therefore is inhibitory. Benzodiazepines produce effects by binding to
a specific site on GABA receptors. - CORRECT ANSWER What is the mechanism of
action for anti-anxiety medications?
Benzodiazepines - CORRECT ANSWER What is the most commonly used group of
anti-anxiety drugs?
Alprazolam (Xanax), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Clonazepam (Kolodin),
Clorazepate (Transend), Diazepam (Valium), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Lorazepam
(Ativan), Oxazepam (Serax), Temazepam (Restoril), Triazolam (Halcion) - CORRECT
ANSWER Provide two examples of these medications:
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Side Effects: Dizziness, sedation, nausea, and headache. Does NOT lead to
physical dependence. - CORRECT ANSWER Provide an example of a non-
benzodiazepine - antianxiety medication
Physical dependence. CNS depression = drowsiness, sedation, poor coordination,
and impaired memory or cloudy sensorium. - CORRECT ANSWER What are the
most common side effects of the benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug group?
, NO ALCOHOL. Do NOT discontinue abruptly. - CORRECT ANSWER What must the
patient on long-term antianxiety therapy be instructed in order to prevent a
potentially life- threatening situation?
Block receptors for neurotransmitter dopamine in brain. D2, D3, and D4 are
associated with mental illness. - CORRECT ANSWER Describe the mechanism of
action of antipsychotic medication.
Conventional = Potent antagonists (blockers) of D2, D3, and D4. Many
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) due to the blocking of D2 receptors.
Newer = Weak D2 receptor blockers. Therefore, lower incidence of (EPS). -
CORRECT ANSWER How do the newer (atypical) antipsychotics differ from the
(conventional-phenothiazine) antipsychotics?
Conventional = Phenothiazines --> Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) & Butyrophenones
--> Haloperidol (Haldol)
Newer (Atypical) = Clozapine (Clozaril) & Risperidone (Risperdal) - CORRECT
ANSWER Give two examples of each of these medication groups
1. Acute dystonia = Acute muscular rigidity & cramping, a stiff or thick tongue with
difficulty swallowing, & (in severe cases) laryngospasm & respiratory difficulties.
2. Drug-induced parkinsonism (pseudoparkinsonism) = Stiff, stooped position;
mask-like faces; decreased arm swing; shuffling, festinating gait (with small steps);
cogwheel rigidity (ratchet-like movements of joints); drooling; tremor;
bradycardia; and coarse pill-rolling movements of thumbs and fingers at rest.
GUIDE 30 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2025/2026
Benzodiazepines mediate the actions of the amino acid GABA, a major inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the brain. Because GABA receptor channels selectively admit
the anion chloride into neurons, activation of GABA receptors hyperpolarizes
neurons and therefore is inhibitory. Benzodiazepines produce effects by binding to
a specific site on GABA receptors. - CORRECT ANSWER What is the mechanism of
action for anti-anxiety medications?
Benzodiazepines - CORRECT ANSWER What is the most commonly used group of
anti-anxiety drugs?
Alprazolam (Xanax), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Clonazepam (Kolodin),
Clorazepate (Transend), Diazepam (Valium), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Lorazepam
(Ativan), Oxazepam (Serax), Temazepam (Restoril), Triazolam (Halcion) - CORRECT
ANSWER Provide two examples of these medications:
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Side Effects: Dizziness, sedation, nausea, and headache. Does NOT lead to
physical dependence. - CORRECT ANSWER Provide an example of a non-
benzodiazepine - antianxiety medication
Physical dependence. CNS depression = drowsiness, sedation, poor coordination,
and impaired memory or cloudy sensorium. - CORRECT ANSWER What are the
most common side effects of the benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug group?
, NO ALCOHOL. Do NOT discontinue abruptly. - CORRECT ANSWER What must the
patient on long-term antianxiety therapy be instructed in order to prevent a
potentially life- threatening situation?
Block receptors for neurotransmitter dopamine in brain. D2, D3, and D4 are
associated with mental illness. - CORRECT ANSWER Describe the mechanism of
action of antipsychotic medication.
Conventional = Potent antagonists (blockers) of D2, D3, and D4. Many
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) due to the blocking of D2 receptors.
Newer = Weak D2 receptor blockers. Therefore, lower incidence of (EPS). -
CORRECT ANSWER How do the newer (atypical) antipsychotics differ from the
(conventional-phenothiazine) antipsychotics?
Conventional = Phenothiazines --> Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) & Butyrophenones
--> Haloperidol (Haldol)
Newer (Atypical) = Clozapine (Clozaril) & Risperidone (Risperdal) - CORRECT
ANSWER Give two examples of each of these medication groups
1. Acute dystonia = Acute muscular rigidity & cramping, a stiff or thick tongue with
difficulty swallowing, & (in severe cases) laryngospasm & respiratory difficulties.
2. Drug-induced parkinsonism (pseudoparkinsonism) = Stiff, stooped position;
mask-like faces; decreased arm swing; shuffling, festinating gait (with small steps);
cogwheel rigidity (ratchet-like movements of joints); drooling; tremor;
bradycardia; and coarse pill-rolling movements of thumbs and fingers at rest.
