Central Nervous System MCQs-Pharmacology II

Prepare for Pharmacology II with MCQs on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Cover key topics like neurotransmitters, CNS drugs, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses to ace your exams.

  1. What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency in Parkinson’s disease?
  • A) Acetylcholine
  • B) Dopamine
  • C) Serotonin
  • D) GABA
  • Answer: B
  1. Levodopa is commonly combined with carbidopa to:
  • A) Increase its absorption
  • B) Prevent peripheral conversion to dopamine
  • C) Enhance the release of dopamine
  • D) Reduce side effects on the heart
  • Answer: B
  1. Which drug class is primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder?
  • A) Barbiturates
  • B) Benzodiazepines
  • C) Antipsychotics
  • D) Antiepileptics
  • Answer: B
  1. Barbiturates enhance the activity of which neurotransmitter?
  • A) Dopamine
  • B) Acetylcholine
  • C) Serotonin
  • D) GABA
  • Answer: D
  1. Which CNS stimulant inhibits the reuptake of monoamines?
  • A) Nicotine
  • B) Cocaine
  • C) Caffeine
  • D) LSD
  • Answer: B
  1. Antipsychotic drugs primarily target which type of receptor?
  • A) GABA receptors
  • B) Dopamine receptors
  • C) Serotonin receptors
  • D) Cholinergic receptors
  • Answer: B
  1. What is a common side effect of long-term levodopa therapy?
  • A) Bradykinesia
  • B) Dyskinesia
  • C) Tachycardia
  • D) Insomnia
  • Answer: B
  1. Which drug is used for the chronic treatment of open-angle glaucoma?
  • A) Physostigmine
  • B) Atropine
  • C) Echothiophate
  • D) Succinylcholine
  • Answer: C
  1. In the treatment of epilepsy, phenytoin acts by:
  • A) Enhancing GABA activity
  • B) Blocking sodium channels
  • C) Inhibiting calcium channels
  • D) Increasing serotonin release
  • Answer: B
  1. SSRIs primarily function by:
    • A) Blocking dopamine receptors
    • B) Inhibiting serotonin reuptake
    • C) Enhancing norepinephrine release
    • D) Binding to GABA receptors
    • Answer: B
  2. The mechanism of action of benzodiazepines involves:
    • A) Inhibiting GABA uptake
    • B) Modulating GABA receptors
    • C) Blocking serotonin reuptake
    • D) Increasing dopamine synthesis
    • Answer: B
  3. Which antidepressant class blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake?
    • A) Tricyclic antidepressants
    • B) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
    • C) Atypical antidepressants
    • D) SSRIs
    • Answer: A
  4. Gabapentin is an analog of which neurotransmitter?
    • A) Dopamine
    • B) GABA
    • C) Acetylcholine
    • D) Serotonin
    • Answer: B
  5. Buspirone is an anxiolytic that lacks which property?
    • A) Sedation
    • B) Muscle relaxation
    • C) Anticonvulsant effects
    • D) All of the above
    • Answer: D
  6. Which neurotransmitter is involved in the development of schizophrenia?
    • A) Serotonin
    • B) GABA
    • C) Acetylcholine
    • D) Dopamine
    • Answer: D
  7. Clozapine is classified as a/an:
    • A) Typical antipsychotic
    • B) Atypical antipsychotic
    • C) Antidepressant
    • D) Anxiolytic
    • Answer: B
  8. Which neurotransmitter’s activity is enhanced by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
    • A) Dopamine
    • B) Serotonin
    • C) Norepinephrine
    • D) All of the above
    • Answer: D
  9. Tricyclic antidepressants can cause which anticholinergic side effect?
    • A) Bradycardia
    • B) Blurred vision
    • C) Diarrhea
    • D) Increased salivation
    • Answer: B
  10. Phenelzine belongs to which class of drugs?
    • A) MAO inhibitors
    • B) SSRIs
    • C) Tricyclic antidepressants
    • D) Benzodiazepines
    • Answer: A
  11. Which CNS stimulant increases blood pressure and heart rate?
    • A) Cocaine
    • B) Nicotine
    • C) Caffeine
    • D) Amphetamine
    • Answer: B
  12. Which drug is used to reduce skeletal muscle spasms?
    • A) Atropine
    • B) Diazepam
    • C) Fluoxetine
    • D) Amitriptyline
    • Answer: B
  13. Antiepileptic drugs aim to control seizures by:
    • A) Increasing dopamine levels
    • B) Enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission
    • C) Blocking acetylcholine receptors
    • D) Inhibiting serotonin reuptake
    • Answer: B
  14. Which hallucinogen acts as a serotonin agonist?
    • A) Cocaine
    • B) Nicotine
    • C) LSD
    • D) Caffeine
    • Answer: C
  15. Which condition is treated with atypical neuroleptics like clozapine?
    • A) Depression
    • B) Schizophrenia
    • C) Generalized anxiety disorder
    • D) Parkinson’s disease
    • Answer: B
  16. Buspirone is most effective for which disorder?
    • A) Panic disorder
    • B) Major depressive disorder
    • C) Generalized anxiety disorder
    • D) Epilepsy
    • Answer: C
  17. A common adverse effect of neuroleptics is:
    • A) Tachycardia
    • B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
    • C) Hypotension
    • D) Insomnia
    • Answer: B
  18. Which drug is used to manage acute seizures?
    • A) Diazepam
    • B) Haloperidol
    • C) Amitriptyline
    • D) Clozapine
    • Answer: A
  19. Phenytoin toxicity can cause:
    • A) Bradycardia
    • B) Gum hypertrophy
    • C) Hyperthermia
    • D) Increased blood pressure
    • Answer: B
  20. Antipsychotic drugs can also have which antiemetic effect?
    • A) Blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone
    • B) Enhancing acetylcholine release
    • C) Inhibiting GABA uptake
    • D) Blocking serotonin reuptake
    • Answer: A
  21. Which of the following is a GABA receptor agonist used as an anxiolytic?
    • A) Fluoxetine
    • B) Diazepam
    • C) Clozapine
    • D) Haloperidol
    • Answer: B
  22. Neuroleptic drugs block dopamine receptors primarily in which pathway?
    • A) Nigrostriatal
    • B) Mesolimbic
    • C) Corticospinal
    • D) Autonomic
    • Answer: B
  23. What is a key adverse effect of barbiturates?
    • A) Hyperactivity
    • B) Respiratory depression
    • C) Tachycardia
    • D) Weight gain
    • Answer: B
  24. Which antipsychotic is known for causing agranulocytosis?
    • A) Chlorpromazine
    • B) Haloperidol
    • C) Clozapine
    • D) Olanzapine
    • Answer: C
  25. The therapeutic effect of SSRIs is typically observed after:
    • A) 24 hours
    • B) 1-2 weeks
    • C) 4-6 weeks
    • D) 8-10 weeks
    • Answer: C
  26. Which antidepressant is often used for patients with insomnia?
    • A) Fluoxetine
    • B) Mirtazapine
    • C) Duloxetine
    • D) Amitripty
    • Answer: B
  27. What is the primary effect of CNS stimulants?
    • A) Enhancing serotonin release
    • B) Increasing neuronal firing rates
    • C) Reducing dopamine reuptake
    • D) Blocking GABA receptors
    • Answer: B
  28. What is a therapeutic use of propranolol in CNS disorders?
    • A) Anxiety reduction
    • B) Epilepsy treatment
    • C) Insomnia management
    • D) Schizophrenia treatment
    • Answer: A
  29. Which substance is considered both a stimulant and a drug of abuse?
    • A) Amphetamine
    • B) Phenobarbital
    • C) Diazepam
    • D) Levodopa
    • Answer: A
  30. Fluoxetine is indicated for the treatment of:
    • A) Epilepsy
    • B) Depression
    • C) Schizophrenia
    • D) Parkinson’s disease
    • Answer: B
  31. Which antiepileptic drug is also used for neuropathic pain?
    • A) Phenytoin
    • B) Gabapentin
    • C) Diazepam
    • D) Clozapine
    • Answer: B
  32. MAOIs increase the risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with:
    • A) Dairy products
    • B) Foods rich in tyramine
    • C) High-protein diets
    • D) Salty foods
    • Answer: B
  33. Which benzodiazepine has a long half-life, making it suitable for anxiety disorders?
    • A) Midazolam
    • B) Alprazolam
    • C) Diazepam
    • D) Lorazepam
    • Answer: C
  34. Which antipsychotic has a higher risk of extrapyramidal side effects?
    • A) Haloperidol
    • B) Clozapine
    • C) Olanzapine
    • D) Risperidone
    • Answer: A
  35. What is a common use for barbiturates in clinical practice?
    • A) Anxiety management
    • B) Seizure control
    • C) Depression treatment
    • D) Antipsychotic use
    • Answer: B
  36. The drug used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose is:
    • A) Naloxone
    • B) Flumazenil
    • C) Atropine
    • D) Pralidoxime
    • Answer: B
  37. Which medication is used to prevent seizures in patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal?
    • A) Fluoxetine
    • B) Diazepam
    • C) Clozapine
    • D) Buspirone
    • Answer: B
  38. Nicotine acts on which type of receptor?
    • A) GABA receptors
    • B) Dopamine receptors
    • C) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
    • D) Serotonin receptors
    • Answer: C
  39. Which condition is associated with reduced levels of serotonin and norepinephrine?
    • A) Epilepsy
    • B) Depression
    • C) Schizophrenia
    • D) Anxiety
    • Answer: B
  40. Which drug is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma?
    • A) Atropine
    • B) Buspirone
    • C) Clozapine
    • D) Diazepam
    • Answer: A
  41. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by anxiolytic medications?
    • A) Dopamine
    • B) GABA
    • C) Serotonin
    • D) Acetylcholine
    • Answer: B

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