CNS Pharmacology Flashcards
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used for the treatment of panic disorder and phobias
ALPRAZOLAM
(Both alprazolam and clonazepam have sedative effects and can cause physiologic dependence; buspirone is an alternative drug that binds 5-HT1A receptors with minimal abuse potential)
Used in the management of depression, it inhibits the reabsorption of both norepinephrine and serotonin within the synapse
AMITRIPTYLINE (Other tricyclic antidepressants include nortriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine. Major side effects of this class include sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and cardia arrhythmias)
Orally active antispasmolytic agent
BACLOFEN
GABA-B receptor agonist that functions on inhibitory pathways in the spinal cord
Because of its low toxicity, this local anesthetic can be used on large surface areas and is available over the counter as an ointment
BENZOCAINE
(This ester-type compound, like cocaine, has surface activity, or the ability to work on superficial nerves when applied to mucous membranes. Other ester-type compounds include the short-acting procaine and the long-acting tetracaine)
This antimuscarinic is used in the management of Parkinson disease, improving tremors and rigidity, but does little for bradykinesia
BENZTROPINE
(As for all antimuscarinics, contraindications include prostatic hyperplasia, GI obstruction, and closed-angle glaucoma, and are more common in older patients)
Drug used in the treatment of Parkinson disease as well as in the treatment of prolactinoma
BROMOCRIPTINE
(This ergot derivative acts as a D2 agonist, improving extrapyramidal function, and also inhibits the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Unlike a similar agent, pergolide, bromocriptine maintains its effectiveness over time.
This long-acting amide-type local anesthetic can cause severe hypotension and arrhythmias if inadvertently given intravenously
BUPIVACAINE
(Local anesthetics bind to sodium channels in the open and inactive state, slowing recovery from depolarization 10- to 1000-fold)
Antidepressant used in the management of nicotine withdrawal in patients seeking to stop cigarette smoking with minimal sedation
BUPROPRION
(This second-generation heterocyclic antidepressant inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine. Newer third-generation agents used for depression, such as venlafaxine, inhibit the reuptake of serotonin as well.)
This agent is used in the treatment of partial and generalized seizures, and is the primary agent used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
CARBAMAZEPINE aka. Tegretol
(Inhibits sodium channels on neurons; its use may result in idiosyncratic blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis)
Second-line treatment for schizophrenia that is better for the negative symptoms of the disease
CLOZAPINE
Atypical antipsychotic, associated with agranulocytosis, that blocks the D4 receptor
The only local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor activity
COCAINE
(Other local anesthetics are administered with epinephrine to increase the duration of action and lower the effective dose)
Used for the treatment of anxiety and ethanol dependence; also a primary agent in the treatment of status epilepticus
DIAZEPAM
(This long-acting, prototypic benzodiazepine binds to GABA-A receptor, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening)
Used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, it inhibits the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
ENTACAPONE
(This agent inhibits the conversion of levodopa to 3-O-methyldopa in the periphery. A similar agent, tolcapone, has been associated with acute liver failure)
Preferred agent in the treatment of absence seizures
ETHOSUXIMIDE
(Postulated to function by inhibiting T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons. Use has been associated with the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Opioid used in the induction of anesthesia, and also for postoperative analgesia
FENTANYL
(If used in conjunction with droperidol and nitrous oxide, it can produce a state of neuroleptanesthesia, resulting in both analgesia and amnesia)
Popular drug used for the treatment of depression, it is the prototype of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
FLUOXETINE
(Common side effects of this and other SSRI’s, such as sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram, include headache, insomnia, nausea, and sexual dysfunction; these agents also are used in the management of obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD], social phobias, bulimia, and alcohol dependence)
This analog of GABA used in the treatment of partial seizures, as well as in the management of peripheral neuropathy
GABAPENTIN aka. Neurontin
(Other available agents for seizures include lamotrigine [aka. Lamictal], which may cause life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis, and vigabatrin, which inhibits GABA transaminase)
The most potent inhaled halogenated anesthetic, with the lowest minimal alveolar concentration (MAC), used for surgical anesthesia in children and asthmatics
HALOTHANE
Rare but significant side effects include the development of malignant hyperthermia and fulminant hepatitis
Dissociative anesthetic that causes hallucinations and disorientation on recovery
KETAMINE
Side effects are due to an increase in cerebral blood flow, and can be reduced by preoperative use of benodiazepines
Used in the treatment of Parkinson disease, this precursor crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine
L-dopa (Levodopa)
(Administered with the decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa [which does not cross the blood-brain barrier] to increase bioavailability and to limit peripheral side effects)
-take on empty stomach (at least 45 minutes before food, OR 2 hours after a meal)
Mood stabilizer that is a first-line drug for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder
LITHIUM
(Inhibits the secondary messengers inositol triphosphate [IP3] and diacylglycerol [DAG] and causes tremor, hypothyroidism, polydipsia, and polyuria)
Amphetamine used in the management of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy
METHYLPHENIDATE
(Increases alertness and decreases appetite by stimulating the release of catecholamines; it is a controlled substance with abuse potential)
Inhaled anesthetic that never reaches the level of surgical anesthesia without the addition of another agent, it is safe and the induction and recovery are extremely rapid
NITROUS OXIDE (This gas has a high minimal alveolar concentration [MAC] and a low blood/gas partition. It usually is administered with an intravenous anesthetic such as thiopental, and is commonly used in dental procedures)
This older agent used in the treatment of depression increases levels of amine neurotransmitters by inhibiting their breakdown
MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOI) (PHENELZINE/TRANYLCYPROMINE/ISOCARBOXAZID)
(Consumption of foods such as cheese, which contain tryramine (an indirect-acting sympathomimetic) while on MAOIs can result in hypertensive crisis. If taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] life-threatening serotonin syndrome can result)
