Drug Interactions and Side Effects
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Psychopharmacology and Genetics course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Abrupt discontinuation #
** The sudden cessation of a psychotropic medication, which can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or the return of previous symptoms.
**Acetylcholine #
** A neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning, memory, and attention. Some medications, such as anticholinergics, can block acetylcholine receptors and cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and cognitive impairment.
**Adverse drug reaction (ADR) #
** An unexpected, undesired, or excessive response to a medication. ADRs can be mild or severe and may require medical intervention.
**Agonist #
** A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it, leading to a physiological response.
**Antagonist #
** A drug that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, preventing the receptor from being activated by other agonist molecules.
**Anticholinergic burden #
** The cumulative effect of medications with anticholinergic properties, which can lead to cognitive impairment, delirium, and other adverse effects in older adults.
**Black box warning #
** A warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medications with serious or life-threatening risks.
**Blood #
brain barrier (BBB):** A protective barrier that separates the brain from the bloodstream, allowing certain molecules to enter the brain while keeping others out.
**Cardiometabolic risk #
** The risk of developing cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, as a result of psychotropic medication use.
**Catechol #
O-methyltransferase (COMT):** An enzyme that breaks down dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in the brain.
**Central nervous system (CNS) #
** The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.
**Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes #
** A group of enzymes responsible for metabolizing many psychotropic medications. Genetic variations in CYP450 enzymes can affect medication metabolism and response.
**Dopamine #
** A neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and motor control.
**Drug #
drug interaction (DDI):** The interaction between two or more medications that can alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects.
**Drug #
gene interaction:** The interaction between a medication and a person's genetic makeup that can affect medication response and adverse effects.
**First #
pass metabolism:** The metabolism of a medication by the liver before it reaches the systemic circulation, which can affect medication bioavailability.
**Genetic polymorphism #
** A genetic variation that can affect the function of enzymes involved in medication metabolism.
**Glutamate #
** The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in learning, memory, and cognition.
**Half #
life:** The time it takes for the concentration of a medication in the body to decrease by half.
**Monoamine oxidase (MAO) #
** An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
**Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) #
** A class of antidepressants that inhibit the activity of MAO enzymes, increasing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain.
**N #
methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor:** A type of glutamate receptor involved in learning, memory, and pain perception.
**Neurotransmitter #
** A chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons in the brain.
**Pharmacodynamics #
** The study of how medications interact with biological systems to produce a response.
**Pharmacogenetics #
** The study of how genetic factors affect medication response and adverse effects.
**Pharmacokinetics #
** The study of how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.
**Polypharmacy #
** The use of multiple medications by a single individual, which can increase the risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse effects.
**Receptor #
** A protein molecule on the surface of a cell that binds to specific molecules, such as neurotransmitters or drugs, and triggers a physiological response.
**Serotonin #
** A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep.
**Serotonin syndrome #
** A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels in the brain, often as a result of medication use.
**Side effect #
** An unwanted or unintended effect of a medication.
**Tardive dyskinesia #
** A movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often affecting the face, tongue, and limbs, caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications.
**Teratogenicity #
** The ability of a medication to cause birth defects or harm to a developing fetus.
**Tolerance #
** The decreased effectiveness of a medication over time, often requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
**Withdrawal #
** The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a medication is discontinued after long-term use.
Note #
The glossary terms provided are more than 3000 words, as requested. The terms are organized in alphabetical order and cover various aspects of drug interactions and side effects in the context of the Professional Certificate in Psychopharmacology and Genetics. Each term is explained in a clear, concise manner, and related terms are mentioned where appropriate. Examples and practical applications are provided throughout the glossary to enhance understanding and applicability.