Central Nervous System Drugs

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to drugs affecting the central nervous system, specifically focusing on drug classes, their functions, and related medical conditions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

Epinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in the body's fight-or-flight response.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that enables muscle action and is involved in learning and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the CNS to muscles, initiatin movement.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the rest-and-digest response.

Migraine Medications

Drugs that treat migraine headaches, notably serotonin agonists like triptans.

Triptans

Medications used to treat migraines by constricting blood vessels.

Ergot alkaloids

Older migraine medications that have been largely replaced by triptans.

Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin A)

A treatment used for chronic migraines, injected every 12 weeks.

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

A chronic and progressive movement disorder, primarily affecting dopamine-producing neurons.

Levodopa

A medication for Parkinson's that converts to dopamine in the brain.

Carbidopa

A drug given with levodopa to prevent its breakdown before reaching the CNS.

COMT Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit the metabolism of levodopa, thereby prolonging its effects.

Dopamine Agonists

Medications that directly stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.

MAO-B Inhibitors

Drugs that enhance dopaminergic activity by inhibiting the enzyme MAO-B.

Antiepileptic Drugs (AED)

Medications used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures.

Hydantoins

A class of AEDs, with phenytoin being the most commonly used.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs used to treat seizures or anxiety, with clonazepam being notable for seizure control.

Absence Seizures (Petit Mal)

A type of generalized seizure characterized by brief lapses in consciousness.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)

Generalized seizures that lead to convulsions and muscle stiffness.

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

An AED commonly used for seizure control that stabilizes nerve cells.

Valproic Acid (Depakote)

An AED that increases GABA and has various uses including treating migraines.

Gabapentin (Neurotin)

An AED primarily used for neuropathic pain and as adjunct therapy for seizures.

Topiramate (Topamax)

An AED used for partial and primary generalized seizures and also indicated for migraine prevention.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

An AED effective for partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Muscle Spasm

Involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group.

Spasticity

Abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction.

Baclofen (Lioresal)

A muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity associated with spinal cord injuries.

Dantrolene (Dantrium)

A muscle relaxant that directly affects skeletal muscle.

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants

Drugs that work through actions in the CNS to relieve muscle spasms.

Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

A stimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD.

Stimulants

Medications that increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine and are commonly used for ADHD.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

A non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.

Seizure

A sudden surge in the brain's electrical activity.

Status Epilepticus

A medical emergency involving a prolonged seizure.

Gingival Hyperplasia

Excessive growth of gum tissue, often associated with phenytoin use.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

A severe skin reaction involving cell death, often related to medications.

Physical dependence

A condition in which the body adapts to a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that are targets for neurotransmitters like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Cholinergic Effects

Effects associated with the release of acetylcholine.

Anticholinergic Effects

Effects that block the action of acetylcholine in the body.

Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's

Symptoms including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Neuromodulation

The modulation of nerve activity by neurotransmitters or chemicals.

Sialorrhea

Excessive salivation, often treated with anticholinergic medications.

Excitatory Neurons

Neurons that stimulate others to fire action potentials.

Inhibitory Neurons

Neurons that suppress the firing of action potentials.

GABA Receptors

Receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter GABA and mediate its effects.

Dopaminergic Neurons

Neurons that produce and utilize dopamine as their neurochemical messenger.

Cyclic Antidepressants

A class of drugs that may be used secondarily for ADHD.

Cognitive Effects of ADHD

Problems associated with poor concentration, stress intolerance, and routine maintenance.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Regularly measuring drug levels to maintain efficacy and safety.

Drug Interactions

Changes in drug effect when two or more drugs are taken together.

Tolerance

A decrease in response to a drug after repeated use.

Mood Disorders

Conditions affecting a person's emotional state, often requiring treatment.

Patient Education

Instructing patients on medication use and monitoring for effects.

Novel Antidepressants

Second-line medications that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms.

Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Medications

Unwanted or harmful effects resulting from the use of psychiatric medications.