Comprehensive Q&A | Grade A
Subject: Psychopharmacology (NR 546) – Final PRACTICE EXAM: Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers,
ADHD Medications, Substance Use Disorders, Sleep Medications, Neurobiology
Source: Practice Exam Blueprint – MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Lithium, Lamotrigine, MAT for
OUD/AUD, Stimulants, Non-Stimulants, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety
Format: Q&A Practice Exam with Rationale – 100% Correct Answers
Verified: Latest 2025/2026 | Grade A Guaranteed
1: MAOIs affect which neurotransmitters?
A. Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine
B. Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate
C. Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Norepinephrine
D. Dopamine, GABA, Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: A. Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine
1. MAOIs irreversibly inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing synaptic levels of monoamines.
2. Tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, wine, cured meats) can cause hypertensive crisis.
3. MAOIs require dietary restrictions and have many drug interactions.
2: First-line treatment for depression?
A. SSRI
B. FGA
C. SNRI
D. MAOI
Correct Answer: A. SSRI
1. SSRIs are first-line due to favorable side effect profile and safety.
2. SNRIs also first-line; MAOIs and TCAs reserved for treatment-resistant cases.
3. FGAs not indicated for depression monotherapy.
3: First medication for MDD?
A. Depakote
B. Selegiline
C. Escitalopram
D. Isocarboxazid
Correct Answer: C. Escitalopram
1. Escitalopram is well-tolerated SSRI with minimal drug interactions.
2. Depakote is mood stabilizer; selegiline and isocarboxazid are MAOIs (not first-line).
3. Start low, go slow.
, 4: Best SSRI for forgetful patients?
A. Mirtazapine
B. Fluvoxamine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Carbamazepine
Correct Answer: C. Fluoxetine
1. Fluoxetine has 2-3 day half-life; active metabolite norfluoxetine 7-15 days.
2. Long half-life reduces withdrawal risk if doses missed.
3. Only SSRI approved for bulimia nervosa.
5: Which medication has black box warning for life-threatening skin rash?
A. Lithium
B. Lamotrigine
C. Lurasidone
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: B. Lamotrigine
1. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) risk; requires slow titration.
2. Discontinue at first sign of rash unless clearly not drug-related.
3. Higher risk in children and with rapid dose escalation.
6: Best tolerated SSRI?
A. Venlafaxine
B. Bupropion
C. Sertraline
D. Escitalopram
Correct Answer: D. Escitalopram
1. Escitalopram has minimal drug interactions and low side effect burden.
2. Clean S-enantiomer of citalopram; lower risk of QTc prolongation.
3. Well-tolerated in elderly and medically ill.
7: Lithium level monitoring after dose increase?
Correct Answer: 5 days after dosage change (steady state reached).
1. Lithium half-life ~24 hours; steady state in 5 days.
2. Draw trough level 12 hours after last dose.
3. Therapeutic levels: acute 1.0-1.5 mEq/L; maintenance 0.6-1.2 mEq/L.