PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2026
ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ What are the two classes of antipsychotics? Answer: Typicals -
antagonize D2 only, greater risk of side effects
Atypicals - antagonize D2, D4, and 5HTZ, favorable for long term
treatment
*Risperidone [Risperdal] - atypical, only acts on D2 and 5HTz
◉ Typical Antipsychotic Rx Answer: Haloperidol [Haldol],
Chlorpromazine [Thorazine], Prochlorperazine [Compazine],
Fluphenazine [Prolixin]
◉ Atypical Antipsychotic Rx Answer: Risperidone [Risperdal]
Olanzapine [Zyprexa]
Quetiapine [Seroquel]
Clozapine [Clozaril]
Ziprasidone [Geodon]
Aripiprazole [Abilify]
◉ What are the indications for antipsychotic therapy? Answer: 1.
Psychotic disorders
, 2. Acute agitation - haloperidol, ziprasidone
3. Mood disorders - MDD, BP2 - adjunct to SSRI, esp. Aripiprazole
4. Movement d/o involving excessive dopaminergic stimulation (i.e.
Huntington's, Tourette's)
◉ Which antipsychotic is associated with agranulocytosis? Answer:
Clozapine [Clozaril]
◉ Which antipsychotic is associated with prolongation of QT
interval? Answer: Ziprasidone [Geodon]
◉ Which antipsychotic is the least sedating? Answer: Risperidone
[Risperdal]
◉ What are the AE associated with dopaminergic blockade in
patients on antipsychotics? Answer: 1. Extrapyramidal sx - TD, NMS,
akathisia (typicals!)
2. Galactorrhea, gynecomastia, amenorrhea 2' to elevated prolactin
◉ What are the extrapyramidal sx associated with antipsychotic use
and how are they managed? Answer: 1. Acute Dystonia - onset w/in
hrs to days of tx; sx - torticollis, oculogyric crisis, muscle spasms; tx -
benztropine, benadryl
ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ What are the two classes of antipsychotics? Answer: Typicals -
antagonize D2 only, greater risk of side effects
Atypicals - antagonize D2, D4, and 5HTZ, favorable for long term
treatment
*Risperidone [Risperdal] - atypical, only acts on D2 and 5HTz
◉ Typical Antipsychotic Rx Answer: Haloperidol [Haldol],
Chlorpromazine [Thorazine], Prochlorperazine [Compazine],
Fluphenazine [Prolixin]
◉ Atypical Antipsychotic Rx Answer: Risperidone [Risperdal]
Olanzapine [Zyprexa]
Quetiapine [Seroquel]
Clozapine [Clozaril]
Ziprasidone [Geodon]
Aripiprazole [Abilify]
◉ What are the indications for antipsychotic therapy? Answer: 1.
Psychotic disorders
, 2. Acute agitation - haloperidol, ziprasidone
3. Mood disorders - MDD, BP2 - adjunct to SSRI, esp. Aripiprazole
4. Movement d/o involving excessive dopaminergic stimulation (i.e.
Huntington's, Tourette's)
◉ Which antipsychotic is associated with agranulocytosis? Answer:
Clozapine [Clozaril]
◉ Which antipsychotic is associated with prolongation of QT
interval? Answer: Ziprasidone [Geodon]
◉ Which antipsychotic is the least sedating? Answer: Risperidone
[Risperdal]
◉ What are the AE associated with dopaminergic blockade in
patients on antipsychotics? Answer: 1. Extrapyramidal sx - TD, NMS,
akathisia (typicals!)
2. Galactorrhea, gynecomastia, amenorrhea 2' to elevated prolactin
◉ What are the extrapyramidal sx associated with antipsychotic use
and how are they managed? Answer: 1. Acute Dystonia - onset w/in
hrs to days of tx; sx - torticollis, oculogyric crisis, muscle spasms; tx -
benztropine, benadryl
