CNS drugs Flashcards
benzodiazepines examples
- Short-acting: Midazolam
- Intermediate-acting: Lorazepam, Alprazolam
- Longer-acting: Diazepam, Clonazepam
benzodiazepines uses
Commonly used as anxiolytics (sleeping pills)
benzodiazepines moa
potentiates GABA actions by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening
GABA is an inter-neuron which inhibits the excitation of other neurons
benzodiazepines roa
- Oral
- IV
Midazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam
benzodiazepines ae
- CNS:
- Increased drowsiness, decreased motor skills, increased reaction time
- Anterograde amnesia
- Paradoxical effects:
- Excitement, hallucination, outburst of rage
- Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) examples
Fluoxetine
Escitalopram
Sertraline
Paroxetine
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) uses
Gold standard for depression, but usually not used due to to its adverse effects
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) moa
Blocks re-uptake of Serotonin at the Serotonin Transporter (SERT)
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) ae
- Anxiety
- Weight loss/gain
- Headache, nausea
- Hyponatremia
- Risk of Serotonin syndrome: confusion, agitation, restlessness
Tricyclic Antidepressants examples
Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Tricyclic Antidepressants uses
Depression
Tricyclic Antidepressants moa
Inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine uptake
Tricyclic Antidepressants ae
- CNS:
- Sedation, fatigue
- Anticholinergic:
- Glaucoma, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation
- Fatality in overdose
Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) examples
Venlafaxine
Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) uses
Depression
Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) moa
Inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine uptake