Central Nervous System Drugs II

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and drug-related information pertinent to central nervous system drugs and their effects on disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and more.

Parkinson's Disease

A degenerative disorder of basal ganglia involving failure of dopamine-secreting pathways.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of a disease.

Dopamine

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates muscle tone and coordination.

Acetylcholine

An excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction.

Tremors

Involuntary, rhythmic shaking or movement.

Bradykinesia

Slowed movements often associated with Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa

A medication that serves as a precursor to dopamine used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Carbidopa

A medication that enhances the effects of levodopa by preventing its breakdown.

Dyskinesia

Involuntary movements that occur as a side effect of Parkinson's disease medication.

Alzheimer’s Disease

An irreversible progressive brain disorder that leads to the decline in memory and cognitive abilities.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil

A cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

NMDA receptor antagonist

A type of drug that blocks specific NMDA receptors involved in learning and memory.

Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system leading to sensory and motor deficits.

Immunomodulators

Drugs used to modify the immune response, often used in Multiple Sclerosis.

Interferon beta

A class of drugs used to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks in multiple sclerosis.

Mitoxantrone

An immunosuppressive drug used for multiple sclerosis that inhibits DNA synthesis.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain resulting in changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)

Medications used to prevent or control seizures.

Phenytoin

An anti-epileptic drug that works by blocking sodium channels to suppress neuron activity.

Gabapentin

An anti-epileptic drug that increases the release of GABA and is used to treat partial seizures.

Muscle Spasms

Involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles.

Muscle Spasticity

Heightened muscle tone and spasms associated with disorders like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia by enhancing the effect of GABA.

Buspirone

An anti-anxiety medication that is a partial agonist of serotonin with a slower onset of action.

Hypnotics

Medications designed to induce sleep, often used in the treatment of insomnia.

Zolpidem

A hypnotic medication used for the short-term management of insomnia.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Common symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Therapeutic Response

The expected positive outcome of a medication treatment.

Nursing Implications

Considerations for patient care related to the administration of medications.

Medication Adherence

The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed.

Drug Interactions

How one medication affects the effectiveness or side effects of another.

Contraindications

Conditions or factors that serve as reasons to withhold certain medical treatment.

Adverse Effects

Unwanted or harmful reactions experienced following the administration of medication.

Maximal Dose

The highest dose of a medication that can be given safely.

Quality of Life

The general well-being of individuals and societies, emphasizing physical health, psychological state, level of independence, and social relationships.

BLood Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective permeability barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain.

On-Off Phenomena

Fluctuations between periods of good control and worsened symptoms in Parkinson's disease treatment.

Neurodegenerative Disease

Conditions characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Therapeutic Effects

The desired or beneficial outcomes of medication treatment.

Clinical Uses

The applications of a drug in treating a specific disease or condition.

Calcium Entry Regulation

Control of calcium ions entering the neuron, crucial for maintaining cell function.

Non-benzo Anxiety Agents

Medications that are not benzodiazepines but are used to treat anxiety.

Cognitive Therapy

A treatment approach focused on changing unhelpful cognitive distortions.

Medication Timing

The schedule or protocol for when medications should be taken.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

A measurement of the percentage of blood leaving the heart each time it contracts.

Patient Teaching

Educational information provided to patients regarding their health and treatments.

Acetylcholinesterase

The enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Dry Mouth

A common side effect of many medications, particularly anticholinergics.

Monitor Drug Levels

Regularly checking blood levels of medication to ensure safety and efficacy.

Dopaminergic Neurons

Neurons that produce and release dopamine.

Motor Function

Physical actions that involve movement; important in disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Psychosis

Mental disorders characterized by a disconnection from reality, including hallucinations.

Emotional Well-being

A positive state of mental health, allowing for the effective handling of stressors.

Therapeutic Goals

The intended health outcomes of a medication or treatment regimen.

Absorption

The process by which medications enter the bloodstream.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals used for communication between neurons.

Dizziness

A common side effect of many medications, feeling faint or unsteady.

Medication Compliance

The degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice and takes medications.

Patient Assessment

Evaluating a patient's current health status, history, and needs.

Syndrome

A group of symptoms that consistently occur together.

Therapeutic Range

The concentration range in which a drug is effective without being toxic.

Pain Management

Techniques and medications used to alleviate pain.

Neuronal Function

Activities related to the operation of neurons in conveying messages.

Cognitive Decline

The gradual loss of cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking skills.

Recovery Time

The duration for which a patient may require treatment or to feel the effects of medications.

Risk of Dependence

The potential for developing a reliance on a medication.

Insomnia

The inability to sleep well or stay asleep.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical and mental symptoms that occur after reducing or discontinuing a medication.

Narcotics

Opioids used for pain relief, often with high potential for addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy aimed at changing negative thinking patterns.

Total Encapsulation

A term used in medication management describing medication in a contained form.

Predictable Effects

Responses to medications that are known and expected.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

A national public health institute in the United States.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A virus that attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its defenses.

End-of-life Care

Specialized medical care focusing on providing relief from symptoms of a terminal illness.

Patient Centered Care

A healthcare approach that aligns medical treatment with the specific needs and preferences of the patient.

Satisfaction Survey

An assessment designed to measure patient satisfaction with healthcare services.

Lifestyle Modification

Changes in daily habits to improve health outcomes.

Acute Stress Disorder

An anxiety disorder that may occur after experiencing a traumatic event.

Cardiac Monitoring

The process of continuously observing a patient’s heart activity.

Life Expectancy

The average period that a person may expect to live.

Quality Assurance

The process of ensuring that products and services meet specified standards.

Mental Health Screening

The assessment conducted to identify potential mental health disorders.

Statistical Significance

A term used in research to indicate that results are unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Referrals

Recommendations to see a specialist or for further healthcare services.

Trauma-Informed Care

An approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on individuals and incorporates this understanding into treatment.

Chronic Condition

A long-term health condition that can be controlled but not cured.

Evidence-Based Practice

Medical care based on the best available evidence.