Pharmacology for the Nervous System Flashcards
What is the main focus of CNS pharmacology?
To modify synaptic transmissions in the central nervous system.
What are the functions of the cerebrum?
- thinking
- sensory perception
- voluntary motor actions
What disorders are associated with the basal ganglia?
Disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are associated with the basal ganglia.
What are the functions of the diencephalon?
- The diencephalon includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.
- Controlling sensations, temperature, appetite, water balance, and emotional reactions.
What are the functions of the mesencephalon and brainstem?
Controls respiration, cardiovascular function, arousal, and alertness.
What role does the cerebellum play?
The cerebellum helps plan and coordinate motor activity and maintain balance and posture.
What is the function of the limbic system?
The limbic system regulates emotional and behavioral activities (motivation, aggression, and sexual activity).
What are the functions of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord connects neurons and transmits signals between the brain and specific body levels.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
A selective filter that limits substances entering the CNS, allowing nonpolar lipid-soluble drugs to pass through.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons, producing excitatory or inhibitory effects.
What is the role of acetylcholine in the CNS?
Acetylcholine is helpful in cognition and memory, generally producing excitatory effects.
What is dopamine associated with in the CNS?
Dopamine regulates motor control, mood, and emotions, and is commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- Inhibition
What effects does norepinephrine have in the CNS?
Norepinephrine increases alertness, arousal, and attention by causing excitation through inhibition.
What is serotonin’s primary role in the CNS?
- Serotonin acts as a strong inhibitor
- Affecting mood, behavior, and inhibiting painful stimuli.
What are the functions of GABA and glycine?
GABA and glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing inhibition at presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.
What are the roles of aspartate and glutamate?
Aspartate and glutamate cause CNS excitation and may produce neurotoxic effects during CNS injury.
What are the functions of substance P?
Substance P is an excitatory transmitter in the spinal cord, mediating the transmission of painful sensations.
How do drugs affect presynaptic action potential?
Certain drugs block propagation along neural axons, eliminating activity at the synapse by preventing action potential from reaching the presynaptic terminal.
What happens when neurotransmitter synthesis is inhibited?
Blocking synthesis depletes the presynaptic terminal and impairs transmission.
What is the effect of inhibiting neurotransmitter storage?
Impairing storage decreases the synapse’s ability to transmit information for extended periods.
How do drugs that affect neurotransmitter release work?
Some drugs increase synaptic activity by increasing neurotransmitter release, while others decrease activity by reducing release.
What is the result of inhibiting neurotransmitter reuptake?
Impairing reuptake allows more neurotransmitter to remain in the synaptic cleft, increasing synaptic activity.
How does inhibiting neurotransmitter degradation affect synaptic activity?
Inhibition prevents breakdown of the transmitter, allowing more active neurotransmitter to remain in the cleft and increasing activity.
What is the role of postsynaptic receptor modulation?
Drugs can block or enhance receptor activity, affecting neurotransmitter binding and synaptic transmission.
How do presynaptic autoreceptors affect neurotransmitter release?
Autoreceptors serve as negative feedback, limiting further neurotransmitter release when high levels of activity occur.
What are membrane effects on synaptic transmission?
Drugs alter membrane organization and fluidity, affecting vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.
What are antispasticity medications used for?
To manage spastic muscles resulting from CNS dysfunction.
What are the primary uses of benzodiazepines?
Used for hypnotic effects, anxiety treatment, seizure reduction, general anesthesia, and muscle relaxation.
What are common nonbenzodiazepine sedatives?
Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon (Sonata), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta).
What are the risks associated with barbiturates?
High addiction potential, strong sedative effects, and a small therapeutic index.
How are sedative-hypnotics typically administered?
Primarily orally, easily absorbed in the GI tract, and reach the CNS through the blood-brain barrier.
What are common adverse effects of sedative-hypnotics?
Residual drowsiness, decreased motor performance, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal effects.
What are rehab considerations for patients on sedative-hypnotics?
Schedule visits to avoid peak sedative effects, consider fall risk, and promote non-pharmacological interventions.
What is psychosis?
A severe form of mental illness marked by thought disturbances and impaired perception of reality.
What are traditional antipsychotic medications?
Dopamine receptor antagonists in the mesolimbic pathway, with side effects including movement disorders.
What are atypical antipsychotic medications?
Weak D2 dopamine antagonists, strong serotonin receptor antagonists, with lower side effect risks.
How are antipsychotics metabolized?
Primarily in the liver, with prolonged use increasing metabolism rate, reducing drug effects.
What are drug-induced movement disorders (DIMD)?
Abnormal movement patterns due to dopamine blocking, including tardive dyskinesia, pseudoparkinsonism, and akathisia.
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
A potentially fatal condition from high doses of dopamine receptor-blocking drugs, characterized by hyperthermia, rigidity, and altered mental status.
What are nonmotor adverse effects of antipsychotics?
Metabolic effects, sedation, anticholinergic effects, and orthostatic hypotension.
What are rehab considerations for patients on antipsychotics?
Monitor motor control changes, ensure patient cooperation, and be aware of sedation and orthostatic hypotension risks.
What is epilepsy?
A neurological disorder with recurrent seizures due to sudden disturbances in cerebral excitation.
What are first-generation antiepileptic drugs?
Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, hydantoins, iminostilbenes, succinimides, and valproates, each with specific mechanisms and adverse effects.
What are second-generation antiepileptic drugs?
Newer medications such as felbamate, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, pregabalin, rufinamide, tiagabine, topiramate, vigabatrin, and zonisamide, with varied mechanisms and side effects.
How are antiepileptic drugs metabolized?
Primarily in the liver, with most drugs administered orally and exerting effects on the brain.
What are rehab considerations for patients on antiepileptic drugs?
Be aware of seizure risk, educate patients on medication timing, and reduce adverse effects affecting therapy.
