ASPPB Psychopharmacology 5

Question 1

Methylphenidate's primary pharmacological action in treating ADHD is:

Accepted Answer

Blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters (DAT and NET)

Answer

Methylphenidate blocks DAT and NET, increasing synaptic dopamine and norepinephrine, particularly in prefrontal and striatal circuits.

Question 2

A patient on sertraline develops agitation, diaphoresis, myoclonus, and hyperthermia after adding tramadol for pain. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Tramadol inhibits serotonin reuptake; combined with an SSRI this creates excess serotonergic activity causing serotonin syndrome.

Question 3

Lamotrigine's most serious dermatological risk is Stevens-Johnson syndrome; this risk is minimized by:

Accepted Answer

Slow titration, especially when co-administered with valproate

Answer

Slow titration is critical; valproate inhibits lamotrigine glucuronidation, nearly doubling its half-life and requiring even slower titration.

Question 4

Which pharmacodynamic principle explains why combining a full opioid agonist with buprenorphine can precipitate acute withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine's high receptor affinity and partial agonism displace full agonists

Answer

Buprenorphine's exceptionally high mu-opioid receptor affinity displaces full agonists; its partial agonism then produces less intrinsic activity, precipitating withdrawal.

Question 5

Acamprosate reduces alcohol craving in abstinent individuals by:

Accepted Answer

Modulating glutamatergic NMDA receptors and GABA systems to restore balance

Answer

Acamprosate normalizes glutamate/GABA dysregulation caused by chronic alcohol exposure, reducing protracted withdrawal and craving.

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

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

ASPPB Psychopharmacology 5