Mental Health Medications: PTCB Pharmacology Review
Review antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers with brand names, mechanisms, and side effects for the PTCE exam.
Mental Health Drug Classes for the PTCE
Psychiatric medications are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. The PTCE expects you to know the major classes, representative drugs, side effects, and important safety considerations.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
First-line for depression and anxiety. Examples: sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa). Side effects: Sexual dysfunction, GI upset, insomnia or drowsiness, serotonin syndrome (when combined with other serotonergic drugs). Black box warning: Increased suicidality in children and young adults.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: venlafaxine (Effexor XR), duloxetine (Cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Also used for neuropathic pain (duloxetine) and fibromyalgia. Side effects similar to SSRIs plus potential blood pressure increase at higher doses. Do not stop abruptly (discontinuation syndrome).
Atypical Antipsychotics
Examples: quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa). Used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and adjunct depression treatment. Side effects: Weight gain, metabolic syndrome, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), tardive dyskinesia with long-term use.
Benzodiazepines
Examples: alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium). Schedule IV controlled substances. Used for anxiety and panic disorders. High potential for dependence. Short-term use recommended. Dangerous when combined with opioids or alcohol.
Mood Stabilizers
Lithium (Lithobid) - Classic mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Requires regular blood level monitoring (therapeutic range 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Narrow therapeutic index. Toxic effects include tremor, confusion, and renal damage. Valproic acid (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are also used as mood stabilizers.
Mental health pharmacology is heavily tested. Review these classes with PTCB flashcards to build rapid recall.
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