Pharm - Unit 2 - Chapter 13 - Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

Key terms and prototypes

Amphetamines (Definition)

A class of stimulant drugs that includes amphetamine sulfate and all of its drug derivatives.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

A syndrome characterized by difficulty in maintaining concentration on a given task and/or hyperactive behavior; may affect children, adolescents, and adults. The term attention-deficit disorder has been absorbed under this broader term.

Central nervous system stimulants

Drugs that stimulate specific areas of the brain or spinal cord.

Migraine

A common type of recurring painful headache characterized by a pulsatile or throbbing quality, incapacitating pain, and photophobia.

Sympathomimetic drugs

CNS stimulants such as noradrenergic drugs whose actions resemble or mimic those of the sympathetic nervous system.

Amphetamines (Dexedrine, Adderall)

• Mechanism of action: Stimulate areas of the brain associated with mental alertness

• Indications: ADHD and narcolepsy.

• Routes of administration: Oral

• Adverse effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, angina, tremor

• Toxicity: Overdose can lead to cardiovascular adverse effects, nervousness, insomnia Headaches, dysrhythmias, severe hypertension

• Contraindications: Drug allergy, cardiac structural abnormalities

• Drug interactions: CNS stimulants

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

• Mechanism of action: Stimulate areas of the brain associated with mental alertness

• Indications: ADHD and narcolepsy.

• Routes of administration: Oral

• Adverse effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, angina, tremor

• Toxicity: Overdose can lead to cardiovascular adverse effects, nervousness, insomnia Headaches, dysrhythmias, severe hypertension

• Contraindications: Drug allergy, cardiac structural abnormalities

• Drug interactions: CNS stimulants

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

• Mechanism of action: Stimulate 5-HT1 receptors in the brain and are sometimes referred to as SSRAs or triptans (Serotonin Agonists)

• Indications: Migraine headaches

• Routes of administration: Oral, subQ, nasal spray

• Adverse effects: Tingling, flushing, and a congested feeling in the head or chest, warm sensation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness

• Toxicity: Overdose can lead to cardiovascular adverse effects, nervousness, insomnia, convulsions

• Contraindications: Drug allergy, presence of serious cardiovascular disease

• Drug interactions: Ergot alkaloids, SSRIs

Caffeine

• Mechanism of action: relaxation of smooth muscle in the respiratory tract, dilation of pulmonary arterioles, and stimulation of the CNS in general

• Indications: Neonatal apnea, respiratory depression secondary to drugs of abuse

• Routes of administration: Oral, IV

• Adverse effects: Stimulation of gastric secretions, reflex tachycardia, flushing and sweating

• Toxicity: Overdose can lead to cardiovascular adverse effects

• Contraindications: Drug allergy, peptic ulcer disease, and serious cardiovascular conditions

• Drug interactions: CNS stimulants