objective 2.1 (2) Flashcards
Drugs that stimulate a specific area of the brain or spinal cord
Neurons contain receptors for excitatory neurotransmitters, including dopamine (dopaminergic drugs), norepinephrine (adrenergic drugs), and serotonin (serotonergic drugs).
Sympathomimetic drugs
CNS stimulants
what are the 3 ways CNS stimulants are classified?
Chemical structural similarities- major chemical classes of CNS stimulants include amphetamines, serotonin agonists, sympathomimetics, and xanthines
Site of therapeutic action in the central nervous system (CNS)
Or into the 5 Major therapeutic uses: anti–attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, antinarcoleptic, anorexiant, antimigraine, and analeptic drugs
Most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, affecting 3 to 10% of school-age children
Boys affected two to nine times more often than girls are
May be related to the underdiagnosing in girls
Primary symptom of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): inappropriate ability to maintain attention span, or hyperactivity and impulsivity
Drug therapy for both childhood and adult ADHD is the same.
ADHD
Incurable neurological condition in which patients unexpectedly fall asleep in the middle of normal daily activities
narcolepsy
sudden acute skeletal muscle weakness
Triggered by strong emotion
cataplexy
what are the drugs for ADHD and narcolepsy
Amphetamines
Nonamphetamine stimulant
Nonstimulant drugs
Stimulate areas of the brain associated with mental alertness
CNS effects
Mood elevation or euphoria
Increased mental alertness and capacity for work
Decreased fatigue and drowsiness
Prolonged wakefulness
Respiratory effects
Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
Increased respiration
Dilation of pulmonary arteries
amphetamines
what are the AE of amphetamines?
Wide range; dose related
Tend to “speed up” body systems
Common adverse effects include:
Palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, angina, anxiety, insomnia, headache, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased metabolic rate, others
Contraindications to using amphetamine and nonamphetamine stimulants include known drug allergy and cardiac structure abnormalities.
Approved for treating ADHD in children older than 6 years of age and in adults
Health Canada has issued a warning describing cases of suicidal thinking and behaviour in small numbers of adolescent patients receiving this medication.
atomozetine hydrochloride
First prescription drug indicated for ADHD-most widely prescribed, Also used for narcolepsy
Extended-release dosage forms: Ritalin SR®, Concerta®, Biphentin®
methylphenidate hydrochloride
Use: improvement of wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and with “shift work” sleep disorder
Less potential for misuse than amphetamines and methylphenidate
Available with a prescription
modafinil
Used to treat obesity
Effectiveness has not been proven
None currently available in Canada to treat obesity
Related drug, orlistat (Xenical® ), a nonstimulant drug to treat obesity
Inhibits absorption of caloric intake from fatty foods
Adverse effects: Headache, Upper respiratory infection, Gastrointestinal (GI) distress, fecal incontinence
anorexiants
Common type of recurring headache, usually lasting from 4-72hrs
Typical features: pulsatile quality with paim that worsens with each pulse
Most commonly unilateral but may occur on both sides of the head
Associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia (patient avoids light), phonophobia patient avoids sounds
Aura
migraine
Stimulate 5HT receptors in cerebral arteries, causing vasoconstriction and reducing headache symptoms
Reduce the production of inflammatory neuropeptides
Reduce the production of inflammatory neuropeptides
Contraindications to triptans include known drug allergy and the presence of serious cardiovascular disease because of the vasoconstrictive potential of these meds
SSRAs
were the mainstay of treatment of mirgraine headaches but have been replaced by triptans for first-line therapy
Obtained from a fungus and cause vasoconstriction of BV in the brain and carotid arteries
Constrict or narrow BV in the brain
Contraindications to ergot alkaloids include uncontrolled HTN, cerebral, cardiac or peripheral vascular disease, dysrhythmias, glucoma and CAD
ergot alkaloids
Used less frequently
Still used for neonatal apnea, and postoperative respiratory depression
Examples:
Methylzanthines, such as aminophylline, theophylline, and caffeine
Indicated: primary to stimulate respirations
Contraindicated: drug allergy, peptic ulder disease and serious cardiovascular condition
analeptics
what are the AE of analeptics?
Vagal: stimulation of gastric secretions, diarrhea, and reflex tachycardia
Vasomotor: flushing, sweating
Respiratory: elevated respiratory rate
Musculoskeletal: muscular tension and tremors
Inhibit phosphodiesterase, leading to buildup of cyclic adenosine monophosphate
methylxanthines