Unit 19 Psychotropic Agents

adrenergic

pertaining to nerve fibers that, when stimulated, release norepinephrine or epineprhine at synapses.

affective

pertaining to an emotion or mental state; feeling, mood, emotional response.

anticholinergic

an agent that blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses.

anxiolytic

literally means a dissolution of anxiety.

bioavailability

the rate and extent to which an active agent, drug, or metabolite enters the general circulation.

catecholamine

biochemical substances, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, that have a marked effect on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, metabolic rate, temperature, and smooth muscle.

dopamine

a catecholamine synthesized in adrenergic nerve terminals, the adrenal gland, and other sites in the central nervous system.

endogenous

pertaining to being produced or arising from within a cell or organism.

extrapyramidal

pertaining to outside the pyramidal tracts of the central nervous system. It is involved in body movement and posture.

limbic

a group of brain structures that is activated by motivated behavior and arousal. The endocrine & autonomic motor nervous systems are influenced by the limbic system.

neuroleptic

an agent or drug that modifies psychotic behavior; in general, synonimous with antipsychotic.

norepinephrine

a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. It is chiefly a vasoconstrictor.

orthostatic hypotension

a condition in which there is a decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure below normal. Due to a change in body position.

serotonin

a chemical present in gastrointestinal mucosa, platelets, mast cells, and carcinoid tumors. It is a vasoconstrictor and affects sleep and sensory perception.

tyramine

intermediate product in the conversion of tyrosine to epinephrine.