Med Matching + MOA

Phenytoin?

Seizure disorders (T-C, partial, SE); Alters sodium ion transport in neuronal cell membranes to slow repetitive firing

Carbamazepine?

Seizure disorders (T-C, partial); Suppresses sodium influx to prevent repetitive neuronal firing

Valproic Acid?

Seizure disorders (all); Suppresses sodium influx to prevent repetitive neuronal firing

Cyclobenzaprine?

Muscle spasms/pain in MS, CVA, CP, SCI, head trauma; Acts at brain stem on gamma/alpha motor pathways to block tonic muscle activity

Baclofen?

Muscle spasms from MS & SCI; Acts at brain stem on gamma/alpha motor pathways to block tonic muscle activity

tPA?

Ischemic stroke (within 3 hours of onset); Acts as a "clot buster" by converting plasminogen into the active enzyme plasmin

Glucocorticoids?

CVA, meningitis, brain abscess, head injury, SCI; Reduces inflammation and edema at site of CNS injury or infection

Beta Interferon?

MS; Immunomodulator; suppresses T-cell activation by controlling pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines

Benztropine

Parkinson's disease (anticholinergic relief of tremor/rigidity); Blocks muscarinic ACh receptors, also blocks dopamine reuptake to prolong dopamine effects

Carbidopa-Levodopa

Parkinson’s; Levodopa converts to dopamine in brain; carbidopa blocks peripheral breakdown of levodopa (first-pass)

Pyridostigmine

Myasthenia gravis; AChE inhibitor — prevents acetylcholine breakdown at neuromuscular junction

Rivastigmine

Alzheimer's disease; AChE inhibitor — elevates acetylcholine concentration in the brain

Fluphenazine

Schizophrenia (positive symptoms); 1st gen typical antipsychotic — blocks dopamine receptors

Haloperidol?

Schizophrenia (positive symptoms); acute agitation/sedation; 1st gen typical antipsychotic — alters dopamine effect on CNS

Aripiprazole?

Schizophrenia (positive & negative symptoms); Atypical antipsychotic — partial dopamine agonist, serotonin receptor antagonist

Fluoxetine?

Depression; SSRI — blocks serotonin reuptake to enhance serotonin activity

Amitriptyline?

Depression; TCA — blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, blocks multiple receptors

Lithium carbonate?

Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance) — mood stabilizer; Alters sodium transport in nerve/muscle cells; increases receptor sensitivity to serotonin

Lorazepam?

GAD, panic disorder, alcohol withdrawal; Benzodiazepine — enhances GABA inhibitory effects at GABA-A receptors

Buspirone?

GAD (not acute anxiety or panic disorder); Azapirone — partial agonist at serotonin and dopamine receptors to balance levels