Cognitive Enhancers - Lichtblau Flashcards
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
ADHD is characterized by coexistence of: Attentional problems & Hyperactivity & These behaviors occur infrequently one without the other
What is the mode of action of all drugs used to treat ADHD?
Raise the levels of DA and NE to bring them back to normal levels
What are two psychostimulant drugs used to treat ADHD?
Another type of drug?
Methyphenidate and amphetamine
(80-90% effective in kids)’
Atomoxetine
What is the big benefit of the sustained release preparations of psychostimulants used for ADHD?
Removes burden of schools to manage
-only needs to be takne in the morning
The idea of giving amphetamines to a hyperactive child seems scary. How could that possibly be therapeutic?
It’s true this is a stimulant. Heres the trick:
Low doses - prefrontal and limbic cortex are activated by psychostimulants
High doses - Areas of the brain involved in arousal and motor activity are stimulated
Interstingly in regards to tolerance, how do ADHD patients respond to stimulants?
They develop tolerance at a much slower pace
So what is so great about Atomoxetine?
It is a highly selective NE reuptake inhibitor
Atomoxetine elevates DA levels in the prefrontal cortex BUT NOT in the nucleus accumbens
This is significant because the N. Accumbens is what mediates the euphoria
This means it has no abuse potential and is the only drug approved for adult ADHD
Memory problems in AD patients coincide with neuronal loss in:
The NBM
Nucleus Basalis of Meynert
What is the treatment for AD, what is the theory behind its effectiveness?
No cure
Treat with Cholinesterase Inhibitors
This increase ACh levels in the brain to delay progression
Increase in ACh also causes adverse effects like nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea
What is the only drug approved for Alzheimers that does not focus on increasing ACh?
Memantine (Namenda)
It is a NMDA receptor antagonist
What kind of drug is a eugeroic?
“wakefulness enhancer”
How do modafinil and armodafinal work?
Increase noreprinephrine and dopamine
Elevate hypothalamic histamine levels
Why is modafinil no longer used for kids?
Possibilty of Erythema multiforme/Stevens-Johnsons syndrome (terrible skin rash)
What drug is abused commonly as a performance enhancer among college students?
Modafinil
