Medications for Pain, Inflammation, and Neurocognitive Disorders

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to medications for pain, inflammation, and neurocognitive disorders.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

Opioids

Narcotic medications used for moderate to severe pain, including morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone.

Adjuvant Medications

Medications used to enhance pain relief, such as SNRIs, gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Centrally Acting Drugs

Medications that act on the central nervous system to relieve pain, including acetaminophen and tramadol.

Glucocorticoids

Steroid medications, such as prednisone, that reduce inflammation.

Pain Assessment

Subjective evaluation of pain using scales and surveys to assess and guide treatment.

Acute Pain

Pain that is intense and typically resolves once the underlying injury heals.

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain that lasts beyond the expected healing time and serves no biological purpose.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain resulting from nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy.

Nociceptive Pain

Pain that results from physical damage to body tissues.

Opioid Antagonist

Medications like naloxone that block opioid receptors and can reverse opioid effects.

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants

Medications used to relieve muscle spasms, such as cyclobenzaprine and baclofen.

Dopaminergic Drugs

Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications like donepezil used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Benzodiazepines

Medications that enhance the effect of GABA in the CNS, used for anxiety and seizures.

GABA Analogs

Medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin that inhibit excitatory neurotransmitter release.

Antihyperuricemic

Medications like allopurinol that reduce uric acid levels in conditions such as gout.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Medications like amitriptyline used for depression and certain types of pain.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin, often due to medication interactions.