NEURO/PSYCH Flashcards
Buspirone
MOA: stimulates 5-HT1a receptors
USES: generalized anxiety disorder. Does not cause sedation, addiction, or tolerance. Takes 1-2 weeks to take effect. Does not interact with alcohol (vs. barbiturates, benzodiazepines)
Zolpidem
MOA: Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (z drug). act via the BZ1 subtype of the GABA receptor; effects reversed by flumazenil.
CLINICAL USES: insomnia
TOXICITY: ataxia, headaches, confusion. Short duration because of liver metabolism by liver enzymes. Unlike older sedative-hypnotics, cause only modest day-after psychomotor depression and few amnestic effects. Decreased dependence risk than benzodiazepines.
Secobarbital
MOA: facilitates GABA-A action by increasing duration of Cl- channel opening
USES: sedative for anxiety, seizures, insomnia, induction of anesthesia
EFFECTS: respiratory and cv depression can be fatal, CNS depression can be exacerbated by alcohol, DDIs (induces cytochrome p450), tolerance, withdrawal
Ramelteon
MOA: melatonin agonist of M1R and M2R–decreases sleep latency
USES: anxiolytic-sedative
EFFECTS: no abuse liability
Suvorexant
MOA: OX1R and OX2R antagonist–Orexin regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite
USES: insomnia
EFFECTS: hangover, no withdrawal or rebound
Levodopa/carbidopa
MOA: increases level of dopamine in brain. Unlike dopamine, L-DOPA can cross the BBB and is converted by dopa decarboxylase in the CNS to dopamine. Carbidopa is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, and is given with L-DOPA to increase bioavailability of L-DOPA in the brain and to limit peripheral side effects
USES: Parkinson’s
EFECTS: only 5% of L-DOPA gets to brain before peripheral conversion to DA and later NE–>peripheral toxicity including vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, and arrhythmias. NEVER prescribe L-DOPA alone–always with carbidopa. Long term use can lead to dyskinesia following administration (“on-off” phenomenon), a kinesics between doses.
Carbidopa
MOA: inhibits peripheral decarboxylation of L-DOPA to get more into the brain
Tolcapone
MOA: peripheral COMT inhibitors (COMT degrades catecholamines)–prevents L-DOPA degradation leading to increased dopamine availability
USES: Parkinson’s
Entacapone
MOA: peripheral COMT inhibitors (COMT degrades catecholamines)–prevents L-DOPA degradation leading to increased dopamine availability
USES: Parkinson’s
Trihexyphenidyl
MOA: anticholinergic–suppresses the excitatory drive of ach neurons on motion suppression
USES: Parkinson’s (specifically tremor)
EFFECTS: anti-SLUD (anti-ach side effects)
Bromocriptine
MOA: Dopamine agonist
USES: Parkinson’s disease.
EFFECTS: can cause dyskinesia and hallucinations
Pramipexole
MOA: Dopamine agonist
USES: Parkinson’s disease.
EFFECTS: can cause dyskinesia and hallucinations
Ropinirole
MOA: Dopamine agonist
USES: Parkinson’s disease.
EFFECTS: can cause dyskinesia and hallucinations
Selegiline
MOA: selectively inhibits MOA-B, which preferentially metabolizes dopamine over NE and 5-HT, thereby increasing the availability of dopamine.
USES: adjunctive agent to L-DOPA in treatment of Parkinson’s disease
EFFECTS: may enhance adverse effects of L-DOPA
Donepezil
MOA: CNS specific Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
USES: Alzheimer’s
EFFECTS: nausea, dizziness insomnia
Rivastigmine
MOA: CNS specific Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
USES: Alzheimer’s
EFFECTS: nausea, dizziness insomnia
Galantamine
MOA: Non-specific Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
USES: Alzheimer’s
EFFECTS: nausea, dizziness insomnia
Memantine
MOA: NDMA receptor antagonist; helps prevent excitotoxicity (mediated by calcium)
USES: Alzheimer’s
EFFECTS: dizziness confusion, hallucinations
Nortryptiline
MOA: blocks reuptake of NE and 5-HT
USES: major depression, peripheral neuropathy, chronic pain, migraine prophylaxis.
TOXICITY: sedation, alpha1 blocking effects including postural hypotension, atropine-like (anticholinergic) side effects (tachycardia, urinary retention, dry mouth). Can cause prolonged QT interval. Tertiary YCAs (amitriptyline) have more anticholinergic effects than secondary TCAs (nortriptyline). TRI-Cs: Convulsion, Coma, Cardiotoxicity (arrhythmias); also respiratory depression, hyperpyrexia. Confusion and hallucinations in elderly due to anticholinergic side effects. Treatment: NaHCO3 to prevent arrhythmia.
Phenelzine
MOAi
MOA: blocks oxidative deamination of monoamines (NE, DA, 5-HT)
USES: atypical depression, anxiety, hypochondriasis
Effects: 2-3 w before therapeutic effects, low therapeutic index, food/drug interactions–potentiate sympathomimetic amines–avoid wine and cheese
Fluoxetine
MOA: SSRI. 5-HT specific reuptake inhibitor.
USES: depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, bulimia, social phobias, PTSD
EFFECTS: takes 4-8 weeks to have an effect
TOXICITY: fewer than TCAs. GI distress, SIADH, sexual dysfunction. Serotonin syndrome: with any drug that increases 5-HT–hyperthermia, confusion, myoclonus, cardiovascular instability, flushing, diarrhea, seizures. Treat with cyproheptadine (5-HT2 receptor antagonist)
Duloxetine
SNRI
MOA: inhibits NE, 5HT re uptake
USES: depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, pain syndromes
EFFECTS: delayed therapeutic onset, no off target effects (like TCAs)
Trazodone
Multimodal serotonergic agent
MOA: primarily blocks 5-HT2 (anti-depressant)and alpha1 receptors
USES: primarily used for insomnia, as high doses are needed for antidepressant effects.
TOXICITY: sedation, nausea, priapism, postural hypotension
Mirtazapine
Atypical anti-depressant
MOA: alpha2 antagonist (increases release of NE and 5-HT) and potent 5-HT2 and 3 receptor antagonist
TOXICITY: sedation (which may be desirable in depressed patients with insomnia), increased appetite, weight gain (which may be desirable in elderly or anorexic patients), dry mouth