CNS Stimulants and Related Conditions

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering central nervous system stimulants, their therapeutic classifications, indications, contraindications, and related clinical conditions based on the lecture notes.

Dopamine

An excitatory neurotransmitter targeted by dopaminergic drugs that serves as a precursor to norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine

An excitatory neurotransmitter altered by adrenergic drugs that mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

Anorexiants

A therapeutic class of CNS stimulants, such as phentermine and benzphetamine, that suppress appetite control centers in the brain to promote weight loss.

Analeptics

A class of CNS stimulants with specific activity that stimulates the medulla and spinal cord to treat respiratory depression and sleep disorders.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A CNS condition affecting over $10.8\%$ of children in the United States, characterized by an inappropriate ability to maintain attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Narcolepsy

A central nervous system condition characterized by unexpected episodes of falling asleep in the middle of daily activities.

Cataplexy

A sudden, acute skeletal muscle weakness associated with narcolepsy and triggered by strong emotion, causing the patient to collapse or fall.

Aura

A sensory prodrome occurring prior to a migraine headache that can manifest as flashing lights, unshared smells, or unshared sounds.

Neonatal Apnea

A temporary cessation of breathing lasting for $20\,\text{seconds}$ or more in premature infants, caused by underdeveloped pulmonary and CNS brain centers.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

A chronic lung condition that can develop in premature neonates as a consequence of prolonged ventilatory support.

Schedule II Drug

A tightly controlled medication classification carrying high risk for tolerance and dependence, restricted to a $30\,\text{day}$ supply with no automatic refills.

Amphetamines

CNS stimulants that act on the cerebral cortex and thalamus to elevate mood, increase alertness, relax bronchial smooth muscle, and dilate pulmonary arteries.

Vyvanse

A synthetic derivative of methylphenidate that is uniquely approved for the treatment of binge eating disorders.

Orlistat

A non-stimulant weight loss drug that inhibits lipase to decrease dietary fat absorption and promote fat elimination, commonly causing oily stools and fecal incontinence.

Triptans

Serotonin receptor agonists (such as sumatriptan) that stimulate cerebral arterial receptors to cause vasoconstriction and reduce inflammatory neuropeptides during active migraines.

Ergoalkaloids

An older chemical class of abortive migraine medications that constrict cranial blood vessels to alleviate headache pain.

CGRPs

Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists representing the newest class of migraine therapies, used for monthly/quarterly prevention (e.g., Aimovig, Emgality) or oral treatment (e.g., Nurtec, Ubrelvi).

Abortive Therapy

Medication administration aimed at terminating an active migraine attack after pain or an aura has already begun.

Reyvow

A migraine medication with a mandatory safety guideline requiring patients to wait at least $8\,\text{hours}$ after administration before driving.

Rebound Headaches

Headaches triggered by the excessive or frequent overuse of acute abortive migraine medications.

Methylxanthines

A class of analeptic agents—including aminophylline, theophylline, and caffeine—that inhibit phosphodiesterase, relax smooth muscle, and stimulate the CNS.

Aminophylline

A methylxanthine drug that is hydrolyzed into theophylline, which is subsequently metabolized into caffeine.

Caffeine

A methylxanthine that blocks adenosine sleep receptors; it is the preferred analeptic in neonates because it causes less tachycardia, less CNS stimulation, and fewer feeding intolerances.

Doxepram

An analeptic that stimulates the medullary and spinal centers to increase respiration, which is contraindicated for use in newborns.