Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, drugs, mechanisms, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects related to central nervous system stimulants and associated pharmacology from Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition, Chapter 13.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The complex network of the brain and spinal cord where many therapeutic drugs act and adverse effects occur.

CNS Stimulants

Broad class of drugs that excite specific areas of the brain or spinal cord, mimicking sympathetic neurotransmitters.

Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Drugs

Agents that imitate the actions of the sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters (e.g., norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin).

Amphetamines

Potent Schedule II CNS stimulants that raise mood, alertness, and wakefulness; used for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Serotonin Agonists (Triptans)

Selective serotonin receptor agonists used to abort acute migraine attacks by causing cranial vasoconstriction.

Xanthines

Chemical class that includes caffeine, theophylline, and aminophylline; acts as CNS stimulants and analeptics.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Most common childhood psychiatric disorder featuring inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Narcolepsy

Incurable neurologic disorder with sudden sleep attacks and dysfunctional REM sleep.

Anorexiants

CNS stimulants that suppress appetite control centers and may raise basal metabolic rate for weight loss.

Analeptics

Drugs that stimulate the CNS respiratory centers (medulla, spinal cord) to treat neonatal or drug-induced respiratory depression.

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

Prodrug converted to dextroamphetamine; used for ADHD treatment.

Atomoxetine

Non-stimulant ADHD medication associated with headache, abdominal pain, and anorexia.

Orlistat

Anti-obesity drug that inhibits intestinal lipase, reducing fat absorption without CNS stimulation.

Lorcaserin (Belviq)

Serotonin-2C receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management.

Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)

Combination sympathomimetic appetite suppressant plus antiepileptic agent for obesity treatment.

Naltrexone (Contrave)

Opioid antagonist used in combination weight-loss therapy.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

GLP-1 receptor agonist originally for diabetes, also approved for obesity management.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight-for-height measure; 25–29.9 = overweight, ≥30 = obesity.

Migraine

Recurring unilateral or bilateral pulsating headache lasting 4–72 h with nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Inhibitors

New class preventing or treating migraines by blocking vasodilatory CGRP.

Ergot Alkaloids

Older antimigraine agents causing vasoconstriction; associated with nausea, cold extremities, and bitter taste.

Neonatal Apnea

Periodic cessation of breathing in premature infants, often treated with caffeine.

Doxapram (Dopram)

Analeptic that stimulates medullary respiratory centers to manage postoperative respiratory depression.

Caffeine

Methylxanthine analeptic producing mild CNS stimulation; preferred for neonatal apnea due to fewer side effects.

Theophylline

Methylxanthine bronchodilator and CNS stimulant occasionally used as an analeptic.

Aminophylline

Prodrug converted to theophylline; used for respiratory stimulation.

Schedule II Drugs

Controlled substances with high abuse potential but accepted medical use (e.g., amphetamines).

Tolerance

Need for increasing doses of a drug to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Psychological Dependence

Compulsive craving for a drug resulting from its rewarding effects.

Contraindication

Condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment.

Tourette’s Syndrome

Neuropsychiatric disorder with motor and vocal tics; can be exacerbated by CNS stimulants.

Glaucoma

Eye disorder of increased intraocular pressure; contraindication for many stimulants.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Autonomic system responsible for 'fight-or-flight' responses; mimicked by CNS stimulants.

Hypertensive Crisis

Severe acute rise in blood pressure; potential risk with stimulant use.

Seizure

Uncontrolled neuronal firing causing convulsions; adverse effect of high-dose stimulants.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Energy expenditure at rest; may be increased by anorexiants.

Photophobia

Sensitivity to light commonly accompanying migraine headaches.

Phonophobia

Sensitivity to sound often associated with migraine attacks.

Abortive Therapy

Treatment aimed at stopping an acute migraine attack rather than preventing future ones.

Preventive Migraine Therapy

Regular medication use when migraines occur ≥1 day per week to reduce frequency/severity.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels; mechanism of triptans and ergot alkaloids.

Lipase Inhibition

Blockade of fat-digesting enzyme by orlistat, leading to decreased fat absorption.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K, whose absorption can be reduced by orlistat-induced fat malabsorption.

Hypercapnia

Elevated carbon dioxide in the blood; indication for analeptic therapy in COPD.

Dysrhythmia

Abnormal heart rhythm; potential adverse effect of stimulants and anorexiants.

Tachycardia

Heart rate >100 bpm; common stimulant side effect.

Euphoria

Exaggerated sense of well-being or elation produced by amphetamines and other stimulants.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep; frequent adverse effect of CNS stimulants.

Journaling (Medication Log)

Patient practice of recording symptoms and drug effects to evaluate stimulant, anorexiant, and antimigraine therapy.