Central Nervous System Drugs Review

These flashcards are designed to help review key concepts and details about Central Nervous System Drugs, covering topics from mechanisms of action to adverse effects and nursing considerations in patient management.

Acetylcholine causes ___________ effects.

increase parasympathetic effects

NE causes ___________ effects.

anticholinergic effects

The key mechanism of action for antimigraine medications is to bind with receptors on blood vessels leading to ___________ and inflammation inhibition.

constriction

Common side effects of serotonin agonists (-triptans) include ___________, weakness, and nausea.

dizziness

An adverse effect of antimigraine medications can include ___________ or stroke.

heart attack

Contraindications for antimigraine medications include ___________ conditions and peripheral arterial disease.

heart

Ergotamine is associated with ___________ poisoning from overuse.

ergotamine

The pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease involves depleted amounts of ___________ in the substantia nigra.

dopamine

Dopamine and ___________ balance each other out in managing motor control.

acetylcholine

A common goal of Parkinson's disease treatment is to correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters by increasing ___________ and decreasing dopamine.

acetylcholine

Levodopa is a precursor to ___________ that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

dopamine

COMT inhibitors block the enzyme which breaks down ___________.

dopamine

Anticholinergic drugs are used to inhibit ___________ effects.

cholinergic

Dopamine agonists are less effective than ___________ for bradykinesia symptoms.

levodopa

Levodopa administration may require ___________ doses due to high protein meals interfering with absorption.

higher

Levodopa/Carbidopa helps reduce adverse effects associated with ___________ alone.

levodopa

Common adverse effects of Levodopa/Carbidopa include ___________ and postural hypotension.

nausea

Dopamine agonists do not compete with dietary ___________.

proteins

Ergot derivatives like bromocriptine have ___________ side effects.

severe

Both types of COMT inhibitors used in management are ___________ and tolcapone.

entacapone

Central anticholinergic drugs are primarily used to control ___________.

sialorrhea

Drugs used to manage muscle spasms include ___________ and Baclofen.

diazepam

Spasticity is characterized by abnormal muscle ___________ due to prolonged contraction.

tightness

Phenytoin therapeutic range is ___________ mcg/mL for effective treatment.

10-20

The side effect of phenytoin associated with gum health is called ___________ hyperplasia.

gingival

Carbamazepine can cause ___________ toxicity and photosensitivity in patients.

bone marrow

The antiepileptic drug valproic acid increases the levels of ___________ and GABA in the brain.

inhibitory neurotransmitter

Gabapentin is used primarily for partial seizures and ___________ pain.

neuropathic

Lamotrigine can cause a ___________ rash that leads to serious skin issues.

generalized erythematous

Topiramate is used for partial and primary ___________ seizures.

generalized

Ethosuximide is the drug of choice for ___________ seizures.

absence

Anticonvulsants should be withdrawn ___________ to avoid seizures or complications.

slowly

Patients taking phenytoin should report any ___________ related to their skin or mucous membranes.

rashes

Muscle relaxants are generally classified as either ___________ or ___________ agents.

antispasmodics; antispastics

Abrupt cessation of tizanidine can lead to ___________ syndrome.

life threatening abstinence

Patients on muscle relaxants should be cautious of ___________ during treatment.

dehydration

Chronic use of benzodiazepines can lead to ___________ dependence.

psychological

Centrally acting muscle relaxants primarily work in the ___________ to relieve muscle spasms.

CNS

Antidepressants can be less effective for ___________ but may reduce hyperactivity in patients.

impulsivity

Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine have a black box warning for ___________ ideation.

suicidal

Amphetamines work by increasing levels of ___________ and norepinephrine in the brain.

dopamine

Growth suppression can occur with stimulant use, necessitating monitoring for changes in ___________ and height.

growth

___________ syndrome is a severe side effect associated with phenytoin toxicity.

Purple glove

Levetiracetam is effective for partial seizures and ___________ seizures.

myoclonic

Nystagmus is a sign of phenytoin ___________ at levels of 20-30 mcg/mL.

toxicity

High protein meals can slow the absorption of ___________ in the gut.

levodopa

Levodopa combined with carbidopa reduces nausea and vomiting associated with ___________ treatment.

dopamine

Diabetes may be impacted by stimulant treatment, leading to increased ___________ levels.

blood glucose

Severe allergic reactions to ergot alkaloids can lead to ___________ loss and further complications.

muscle

The drug carbamazepine should not be taken with ___________ due to potential interactions.

grapefruit juice

Central anticholinergic drugs are mainly used in early stages of ___________ disease.

Parkinson's

The main effect of anticonvulsants is to reduce the neuron’s ability to be stimulated by altering ___________ activity.

electrical

Patients taking levodopa may notice a color change in urine, turning it ___________ or brown.

red

CNS depression can occur with the use of ___________ agents, necessitating caution in driving.

anticonvulsant

Phenytoin can interfere with the metabolism of Vitamin ___________.

D

Gabapentin is classified as a 1-(aminomethyl) ___________ acid.

cyclohexane

Topiramate is frequently used for preventing ___________ headaches.

migraine

Levatiracetam's mechanism of action involves impeding impulse conduction across ___________.

synapses

Adverse effects of Baclofen withdrawal include increased ___________ and sweating.

spasticity

Assessment of patients on anticonvulsants involves monitoring for ___________ reactions or signs of toxicity.

adverse

The main mechanism of action for anticonvulsants is to alter the ___________ transmission in neurons.

chemical

The drug ethosuximide is an effective treatment for absence seizures and should be monitored for ___________ side effects.

renal

Patients are taught to adhere strictly to the prescribed ___________ regimen to avoid breakthrough seizures.

medication

Dopamine agonists and COMT inhibitors can help manage ___________ in Parkinson's patients.

motor fluctuations

Antispasmodics such as diazepam are often used for ___________ muscle spasms.

localized

Patients should be educated on potential signs of ___________ during treatment with muscle relaxants.

overdose

A key consideration in the management of Parkinson's disease is the timing of ___________ to ensure efficacy.

dosing

Adverse effects of older dopaminergic drugs include nausea and ___________ hypotension.

postural

Newer medications like pramipexole and ropinirole target ___________ receptors for Parkinson's disease management.

dopamine

Anticonvulsant therapy must consider individual ___________ to achieve optimal efficacy and safety.

patient factors

Methylphenidate is widely used in treating ___________.

ADHD

Side effects of stimulants often include ___________ and anxiety symptoms.

insomnia

Combination therapy for epilepsy may include monitoring for drug-drug ___________ to avoid toxicity.

interactions

Promptly addressing ___________ can improve adherence to anticonvulsant therapy among patients.

concerns

Guanfacine and clonidine serve as alternative treatments for ___________ in ADHD management.

inattention

Levetiracetam is preferred for use in preventing ___________ seizures in young patients.

myoclonic

Tizanidine is associated with a risk of ___________ due to its muscle relaxant properties.

hypotension

Antidepressants can be beneficial in treating behavioral symptoms but are often less effective for ___________ within ADHD.

hyperactivity

Monitoring drug levels helps ensure appropriate management of ___________ disorders.

convulsive

A common recommendation for patients on anticonvulsants is to take medication with ___________ to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

food

Phenytoin and Dilantin are not considered ___________ due to formulation and pharmacokinetic differences.

interchangeable

Carbidopa is included in the formulation of Sinemet to enhance ___________ absorption in the CNS.

levodopa

Monitor blood levels regularly to ensure safe therapeutic levels when using ___________ medications.

anticonvulsant

Dopaminergic drugs are critical during which stage of Parkinson’s disease treatment? ___________

early

Higher doses of levodopa are required due to competition with ___________ for absorption.

proteins

Patients experiencing severe side effects from stimulants may require a period of ___________.

no treatment

First-line treatment for spasticity in spinal cord injuries includes ___________ and dantrolene.

baclofen

Caution against using ___________ alcohol or other depressive substances while on anticonvulsants.

ETOH

Exercise may help improve ___________ control in patients with muscle spasticity.

motor

Patients on muscle relaxants should be counseled to avoid ___________ due to its dehydrating effects.

alcohol

The primary side effect of MAO inhibitors is the potential for severe ___________ interactions.

dietary

Newer dopamine agonists like pramipexole offer better ___________ than older formulations of dopaminergic drugs.

impacts

For anticonvulsant patients, regular dental hygiene is essential especially if taking ___________ for seizures.

phenytoin

Adverse reactions reported with ___________ may include severe allergic responses that require immediate attention.

ergot alkaloids

Adherence issues with anticonvulsants often stem from patient ___________ about side effects and management.

concerns

Importance of recording seizure activity when taking ___________ to provide accurate patient history for management.

anticonvulsants

Patients using anticonvulsants require awareness of interactions with ___________ supplements and medications.

vitamin

Side effects of anticonvulsants like valproic acid include potential ___________ changes and blood dyscrasia.

liver

Monitor for signs of ___________ and clean up using appropriate hygiene techniques.

toxic effects

Psychological dependence can occur with chronic use of ___________ for managing ADHD.

stimulants