CNS Pharmacology Flashcards
Major function of CNS
Processing info and generating the appropriate response
Name the excitatory CNS Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Glutamate (Most abundant)
(Nor)epinephrine
Name the inhibitory CNS neurotransmitters
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Serotonin
Drug classes causing CNS depression (incr inhibition, decr excitation)
(From lowest effect to greatest) Anesthetics (general) Narcotics Hypnotics Sedatives Tranquilizers
Drug classes causing CNS stimulation (incr excitation, decr inhibition)
(From lowest effect to greatest)
Analeptics
Psychomotor Stimulants
Convulsants
The balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain can mean life or death? True or False
True
What is the process of CNS excitability by Glutamate?
When GLU activates the NMDA receptor > influx of Ca + Na > excitation
What is the mechanism of GABA inhibitory effect on neurons?
When you activate GABA a receptor > influx of Cl > decr ability of cell to respond/dampens cell’s activity
What is going on neurologically with a seizure?
Excessive and abnormal brain cell activity arising from too much excitation or too little inhibition
What is the mechanism of action of anti-convulsants?
Acts to limit the initiation or spread of a seizure by working to enhance GABA > reduces excitability of the neurons
Phenobarbital
Barbiturate
Acts as anticonvulsant at doses below those that produce anesthesia
What are the general effects of tranquilizers-sedatives?
They often work synonymously to decrease anxiety and produce a mild sense of drowsiness; calming effect or chemical restraint
What are the classes of tranquilizers-sedatives?
Phenothiazine, butyrophenone, and benzodiazepines (GABA)
- acepromazine
- diazepam
- midazolam
What are hypnotic sedatives?
Agents that produce calm (sedative) and sleep (hypnosis); dose-dependent spectrum of sleep, CNS depression, and sedation ; NOT anesthesia
Uses of Narcotics
Induces deep sleep; drug class = morphine
- patients cannot be easily aroused from sleep
What does it mean that the effects of CNS depressants can be additive or synergistic?
This may cause global depression of critical CNS functions (e.g. Alertness, breathing, CV control) and lead to unexpected coma and/or death
Adrenaline’s function
Fight or flight NT
Function of Norepinephrine
Concentration NT