Psychopharmacology

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Beta blockers

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There can be beta 1, beta 2, or beta 3, or non-specific blockers. These are typically used to decrease hypertension and heart rate. They work by blocking the action of norepinephrine in heart muscle and smooth muscle. One potential negative side effect is reduction of melatonin release. These medicines also prevent release of renin. Example in psychopharmacology use includes propranolol. Propanolol is non-specific.

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Alpha blocker

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These medicines are typically used to treat hypertension and prostate hypertrophy. They relax arterioles and therefore pressure by blocking the effect of norepinephrine for constricting the vessels. Prazosin is used in psychopharmacology to treat nightmares.

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Prazosin

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Prazosin is available in capsules of 1, 2 and 5 mg generically and under the trade name Minipress. Prazosin is usually started at a dose of 1 mg two or three times daily, with increase in the dose based upon tolerance and clinical response to an average of 5 to 20 mg daily in divided doses. Prazosin is also available in a fixed combination with polythiazide (Minizide). Side effects include dizziness and syncope (particularly with the initial dose), fatigue, headache, palpitations, impotence, incontinence and gastrointestinal upset. Rare, but potentially severe side effects include severe postural hypotension and priapism. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier and lowers the effect of norepinephrine it seems to decrease the rate of nightmares.

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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

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These drugs dilate the blood vessels and lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. ACE inhibitors work by interfering with the body’s renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). RAAS is a complex system responsible for regulating the body's blood pressure. The kidneys release an enzyme called renin in response to low blood volume, low salt (sodium) levels or high potassium levels. Angiotensinogen, which is synthesized in the liver, is the main substrate for renin.

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Renin

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Renin catalytically cleaves circulating angiotensinogen and forms angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzymes then convert angiotensin I to its physiologically active form, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the muscles surrounding blood vessels, effectively narrowing vessels and increasing blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of aldosterone, which stimulates water and sodium reabsorption, thereby, increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

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aldosterone

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stimulates water and sodium reabsorption, thereby, increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

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Benzodiazepines

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Reduce anxiety via GABA augmentation. May dampen amygdala leading lack of caring for important things (attending class), can impact learning and memory when used chronically, decrease problem solving skills which may be paradoxical since many people are stressed and anxious because they already struggle with problem solving.