Practice Test Geeks(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test
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Psychopharmacology Flashcards

7 cards from real ASPPB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Psychopharmacology flashcards as text

  1. Which of the following benzodiazepines is most appropriate for a patient with severe hepatic impairment?

    Answer: Lorazepam

    Lorazepam (along with oxazepam and temazepam) undergoes direct glucuronidation rather than hepatic oxidation, making it safer in liver disease.

  2. A patient on carbamazepine experiences double vision and ataxia after a new medication is added. The new drug most likely inhibited CYP3A4, causing:

    Answer: Elevated carbamazepine levels producing toxicity

    Carbamazepine is a CYP3A4 substrate; CYP3A4 inhibition raises its plasma concentration and produces dose-dependent toxicity.

  3. The discontinuation syndrome most associated with paroxetine, characterized by dizziness, 'brain zaps,' and flu-like symptoms, is attributable primarily to:

    Answer: Rapid decrease in synaptic serotonin following abrupt cessation

    Abrupt SSRI withdrawal rapidly drops serotonin availability at synapses, producing a characteristic discontinuation syndrome; paroxetine's short half-life worsens this.

  4. Which mood stabilizer is first-line for acute bipolar mania and also has the strongest evidence for suicide prevention in bipolar disorder?

    Answer: Lithium

    Lithium has robust evidence for both acute mania and long-term suicide risk reduction in bipolar disorder.

  5. Tardive dyskinesia risk is highest with which class of antipsychotics?

    Answer: First-generation high-potency D2 blockers such as haloperidol

    High-potency first-generation antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) produce sustained nigrostriatal D2 blockade, the mechanism underlying tardive dyskinesia.

  6. Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder is formulated with naloxone primarily to:

    Answer: Deter intravenous misuse by precipitating withdrawal if injected

    Sublingual naloxone has negligible bioavailability, but if the tablet is injected, naloxone absorbs systemically and precipitates acute opioid withdrawal.

  7. Patients taking warfarin who are started on fluoxetine should be monitored closely because fluoxetine:

    Answer: Inhibits CYP2C9, reducing warfarin metabolism and raising INR

    Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2C9, the primary enzyme metabolizing S-warfarin, leading to elevated warfarin levels and bleeding risk.