Misc. (CNS Stimulants)

Donepezil

Brand: Aricept

Class: Cholinesterase inhibitor

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (by reducing Acetylcholine breakdown)

Common Uses: Alzheimer's disease (Dementia)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): Increased risks: Cardiac arrhythmia (QTc prolonged) AND bradycardia

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort

Special Considerations: 1st class of drugs for Alzheimer's

Memantine

Brand: Namenda

Class: NMDA receptor antagonist

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (by reducing Acetylcholine breakdown)

Common Uses: Alzheimer's disease (Dementia)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): None listed

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness

Special Considerations: 2nd class of drugs for Alzheimer's

Lithium carbonate

Brand: Lithobid, Eskalith

Class: Antimanic

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of mania in bipolar patients

Common Uses: Bipolar disorder

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): None listed

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Nausea, thirst, hypotension, diarrhea, vomiting, tremor, ataxia

Special Considerations: Obtain blood level; watch out for sodium intake

Carbidopa-levodopa

Brand: Sinemet

Class: Anti-Parkinson's agent

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (by enhancing Dopamine activity)

Common Uses: Parkinson's disease (Movement disorder)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): None listed

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, hallucination

Special Considerations: Immediate release and extended release formulations available

Pramipexole

Brand: Mirapex

Class: Anti-Parkinson's agent; dopamine agonist

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (by mimicking Dopamine activity)

Common Uses: Parkinson's disease (Movement disorder)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): None listed

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Drowsiness, dizziness, hallucination

Special Considerations: None listed

Ropinirole

Brand: Requip

Class: Anti-Parkinson's agent; dopamine agonist

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (by mimicking Dopamine activity)

Common Uses: Parkinson's disease (Movement disorder)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): None listed

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Drowsiness, dizziness, hallucination

Special Considerations: None listed

Varenicline

Brand: Chantix

Class: Partial nicotine receptor agonist

Route: PO

Functions: Reduce the urge to nicotine (cigarette smoking) (by altering Dopamine activity)

Common Uses: Smoking cessation

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): Agitation, depression, suicidal ideation

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Nausea, hallucination, constipation, insomnia, headache

Special Considerations: None listed

Sumatriptan

Brand: Imitrex

Class: Serotonin receptor 1A agonist

Route: PO, Nasal, SC

Functions: Activate serotonin 1A receptor to reduce the symptoms of migraine

Common Uses: Migraine headache

Adverse Drug Reactions (Safety): Increased risk of cardiovascular events (Myocardial infarction, stroke)

Adverse Drug Reactions (Tolerability): Taste disturbance, oral/throat discomfort, dizziness

Special Considerations: Do not overuse due to the risk of rebounding headache