Neurological drugs Flashcards
What class of drug is Levodopa and what is its mechanism of action?
Class: Dopaminergic agent
Mechanism of Action: Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
What is the primary indication for Carbidopa when used with Levodopa?
Indication: Parkinson’s Disease
Mechanism of Action: Carbidopa inhibits the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in the peripheral tissues, preventing the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain.
What is the first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
First-line treatment: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What class of drug is Valproate and what is its primary use?
Class: Anticonvulsant
Indication: Epilepsy, Bipolar disorder
Mechanism of Action: Increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity, which has inhibitory effects on the central nervous system, helping to prevent seizures.
What is the mechanism of action of Phenytoin?
Class: Anticonvulsant
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits sodium channels in neuronal cell membranes, reducing the spread of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
How are benzodiazepines used in the management of seizures?
Acute seizure management
Mechanism of Action: Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, leading to CNS depression and anticonvulsant effects.
What is the primary use of Gabapentin?
Class: Anticonvulsant, Analgesic
Indication: Neuropathic pain, Seizure disorders
Mechanism of Action: Modulates calcium channels to reduce excitability of neurons, which helps to control seizures and neuropathic pain.
What is the main indication for Topiramate?
Class: Anticonvulsant
Indication: Epilepsy, Migraine prophylaxis
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters and enhances GABA activity, reducing neuronal firing and preventing seizures or migraines.
How does Baclofen work in treating spasticity?
Class: Muscle relaxant
Indication: Spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury
Mechanism of Action: Acts as a GABA-B rceptor agonist in the spinal cord, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and reducing muscle spasm.
What is the first line treatment for ADHD?
Stimulants
What class of drug is Donepezil and what condition is it used to treat?
Class: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Indication: Alzheimer’s disease
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which helps improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
What drugs should you avoid in Alzheimer’s?
Anticholinergics.
How does Memantine help in Alzheimer’s disease?
Class: NMDA receptor antagonist
Indication: Alzheimer’s disease
Mechanism of Action: Blocks NMDA receptors in the brain, which reduces glutamate activity and helps prevent neuronal damage caused by excessive glutamate.
What are common side effects of SSRIs?
Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts (particularly in younger individuals).
What are common side effects of Valproate?
Nausea, tremor, weight gain, liver toxicity, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
What are common side effects of Baclofen?
Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
What are common side effects of Methylphenidate?
Insomnia, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, anxiety, and potential for misuse and addiction.
What are common side effects of Rivastigmine?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and anorexia (loss of appetite).
What types of drugs are used in dementia and what for?
Cognitive impairment: Anticholinesterases or memantine.
Behavoural and psychological: antipsychotics or antiepileptics.
Depression: SSRIs (sertraline preferred)
