CNS Drugs

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of Codeine?

Answer 1

Codeine is an agonist that acts on the central nervous system and has an analgesic effect - it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of Paracetamol?

Answer 2

Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect by the inhibition of prostaglandins.

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Sertraline?

Answer 3

Sertraline inhibits the CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin, increasing the amount of serotonin that exists in the brain.

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of Amitriptyline?

Answer 4

Amitriptyline blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in presynaptic terminals, leading to higher levels of these in the brain.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of Valproic acid?

Answer 5

Valproic acid inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels causing a decrease in neurone firing rate.

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action of Ibuprofen?

Answer 6

Ibuprofen is a non-selective NSAID that reversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2. This causes prostaglandin synthesis to be blocked, and therefore leads to a reduction of pain and inflammation.

Question 7

What drug classification does Codeine belong to?

Answer 7

Opiates

Question 8

What drug classification does Paracetamol belong to?

Answer 8

Analgesics and Antipyretics

Question 9

What drug classification does Sertraline and Paroxetine belong to?

Answer 9

Antidepressants - serotonin reuptake inhibitor class

Question 10

What drug classification does Amitriptyline belong to?

Answer 10

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Question 11

What drug classification does Valproic acid belong to?

Answer 11

Anticonvulsants

Question 12

What drug classification does Ibuprofen belong to?

Answer 12

NSAIDs

Question 13

When would Codeine be prescribed?

Answer 13

Codeine is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain, and is often combined with paracetamol.

Question 14

When would Ibuprofen be prescribed?

Answer 14

Ibuprofen can be prescribed to reduce general aches and pains (headaches, menstrual pain etc). It is also effective in alleviating pain in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Question 15

When would Valproic acid be prescribed?

Answer 15

Valproic acid is prescribed to patients suffering with bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes prescribed to patients with epilepsy.

Question 16

When would Amitriptyline be prescribed?

Answer 16

Amitriptyline is prescribed to patients suffering from depression, sometimes in combination with anxiety and insomnia.

Question 17

When would Sertraline be prescribed?

Answer 17

Sertraline is prescribed to patients that suffer from depression, anxiety and OCD.

Question 18

When would Paracetamol be prescribed?

Answer 18

Paracetamol is used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain - headaches, toothache etc, and to reduce fever.

Question 19

What is the mechanism of action of Carbamazepine?

Answer 19

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in their inactive state, preventing repetitive and sustained firing of an action potential

Question 20

When would Carbamazepine be prescribed?

Answer 20

Carbamazepine is used in patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder or trigeminal neuralgia / peripheral neuropathy.