Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which of the following medications is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia?

1. Risperidone

2. Prozac

3. Levetiracetam

4. Duloxetine

The correct answer is: Risperidone

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that is commonly used to treat schizophrenia and is effective in managing the symptoms of this mental health disorder. Its mechanism of action involves the antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In contrast, the other medications listed serve different purposes: Prozac, which is fluoxetine, is an antidepressant used primarily to treat depression and anxiety disorders; levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures; and duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used primarily for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. None of these alternatives are indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. Thus, recognizing risperidone as the correct antipsychotic medication is essential for understanding the pharmacological approaches to managing schizophrenia.