Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics includes the body's absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion of a drug.

• Define the four aspects of pharmacokinetics and provide citations to support.
• Read Jane's Case Study (that's below).
• Determine which of the four aspectsabsorption, distribution, biotransformation, or excretionJane is experiencing.
• In your answer, analyze the effects this aspect and the psychotropic drug have on Jane's neurotransmission and hormonal system. Be sure to cite appropriate research to support.

Jane's Case Study

Jane is a 45-year-old female of average height and weight. Her family physician prescribed the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication Prozac to treat to her persistent depressive disorder. Her initial dosage was 20 milligrams per day, which helped her somewhat. Two months ago, you and her family physician agreed that she should increase her dosage level to 40 milligrams per day. She has taken 40 milligrams for 2 months, and her symptoms have completely subsided.

While in the waiting room of her family physician, Jane learns that another client, Mark, is taking Celexa, which is also an SSRI antidepressant medication. Mark is nearly twice Jane's size and several inches taller, but only needs 20 milligrams of his medication per day. Jane decides she wants to change her medication to Celexa so she can take a smaller dosage.