Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Nervous System – Including Pain
K2 · Pharmacology Related to the Nervous System
K2.iv · Pharmacology Related to the Nervous System
Understand the pharmacology of anti-depressant and anti-psychotic drugs.
Written examination
SAQ history
Neuropharmacology — Antidepressant Classes
1 exam appearance
Compare and contrast the mechanism of action and side effects of tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
40%
Neuropharmacology — Haloperidol
1 exam appearance
Classify the anti-psychotic drugs (25% marks). Outline the pharmacology of haloperidol (75% marks).
28%
Neuropharmacology — Serotonin Syndrome
1 exam appearance
Describe the physiological basis of the effects seen in the serotonin syndrome (80% marks). List the classes of drugs that may cause the serotonin syndrome (20% marks).
70%
Neuropharmacology — TCA Overdose
1 exam appearance
Describe the physiological effects and principles of management of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
14%
Neuropharmacology — Haloperidol vs Diazepam
1 exam appearance
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2021B · Day 3 · VIVA 3
This viva will assess your knowledge of pharmacology of antiepileptics and anti-depressants. What are the mechanisms of actions of phenytoin?
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2012B · VIVA 8
This Viva will examine knowledge of the pharmacology of commonly used sedatives and their effects on Respiratory and CNS physiology. List the properties of an ideal sedative drug in Intensive Care? Subsequent discussion involved pharmacology of midazolam, how it compares to haloperidol, an understanding of the term “neuroleptic”, respiratory physiological response to sedation and the principles of the EEG.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.