MARYVILLE NURS 660
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE
SET TEST 3 2026 TESTED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
SOLUTIONS
◉ Mesolimbic dopamine pathway in ADHD. Answer: -Too little of
norepi or dopamine-have issues with being distracted, organized,
forgetful, or fatigued. (norepi and dopamine are the two key
neurotransmitters in ADHD)
◉ Pathophysiology of ADHD. Answer: Inefficient tuning of prefrontal
cortex by dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
◉ Atomexetine (Strattera). Answer: -ADHD Non-Stimulant
-Inhibits NET in the prefrontal cortex increases both DA and NE. As
only a few NET exist in the nucleus accumbens, atomoxetine does not
induce an increase in DA and NE in the nucleus accumbens, the reward
center of the brain, thus atomoxetine does not have abuse potential.
-Requires build-up over time, not short acting, no concern for
abuse/misuse.
-Can't be taken with Paxil or Wellbutrin
-Adverse effects: priapism, liver injury
, ◉ Methlyphenidate. Answer: Ritalin, Concerta, ADHD stimulant.
-Methylphenidate binds to the dopamine transporter and to the
norepinephrine transporter, in both cases acting as an allosteric
modulator. Stops the action of the transporters, preventing reuptake and
thus allowing dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate in the
synapse.
◉ Amphetamine. Answer: Adderall, ADHD
-Competitively inhibits dopamine transporter and VMAT transporter.
-Blocks the transporter for dopamine and norepinephrine.
-Increases dopamine at synaptic cleft.
-High risk for abuse
◉ Guanfacine. Answer: Intuniv, nonstimulant for ADHD.
Selective agonist for alpha 2A.
Better tolerated than clonidine.
◉ Clonidine. Answer: Alpha 2 agonist ADHD.
Less selective than guanfacine, binds to alpha 2A, 2B, & 2C.
Can reduce signs of autonomic hyperactivity during withdrawal.
◉ Lisdexamfetamine. Answer: Vyvanse ADHD
Stimulant
Longer-acting, less risk for abuse
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE
SET TEST 3 2026 TESTED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
SOLUTIONS
◉ Mesolimbic dopamine pathway in ADHD. Answer: -Too little of
norepi or dopamine-have issues with being distracted, organized,
forgetful, or fatigued. (norepi and dopamine are the two key
neurotransmitters in ADHD)
◉ Pathophysiology of ADHD. Answer: Inefficient tuning of prefrontal
cortex by dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
◉ Atomexetine (Strattera). Answer: -ADHD Non-Stimulant
-Inhibits NET in the prefrontal cortex increases both DA and NE. As
only a few NET exist in the nucleus accumbens, atomoxetine does not
induce an increase in DA and NE in the nucleus accumbens, the reward
center of the brain, thus atomoxetine does not have abuse potential.
-Requires build-up over time, not short acting, no concern for
abuse/misuse.
-Can't be taken with Paxil or Wellbutrin
-Adverse effects: priapism, liver injury
, ◉ Methlyphenidate. Answer: Ritalin, Concerta, ADHD stimulant.
-Methylphenidate binds to the dopamine transporter and to the
norepinephrine transporter, in both cases acting as an allosteric
modulator. Stops the action of the transporters, preventing reuptake and
thus allowing dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate in the
synapse.
◉ Amphetamine. Answer: Adderall, ADHD
-Competitively inhibits dopamine transporter and VMAT transporter.
-Blocks the transporter for dopamine and norepinephrine.
-Increases dopamine at synaptic cleft.
-High risk for abuse
◉ Guanfacine. Answer: Intuniv, nonstimulant for ADHD.
Selective agonist for alpha 2A.
Better tolerated than clonidine.
◉ Clonidine. Answer: Alpha 2 agonist ADHD.
Less selective than guanfacine, binds to alpha 2A, 2B, & 2C.
Can reduce signs of autonomic hyperactivity during withdrawal.
◉ Lisdexamfetamine. Answer: Vyvanse ADHD
Stimulant
Longer-acting, less risk for abuse
