Psychotropic Medications and CNS Review

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions.

All parts of the nervous system outside the CNS, responsible for transmitting information between the CNS and the body.

Specialized nerve cells that transmit sensory information from the environment to the brain.

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the brain to muscles and organs, causing them to move or function.

A branch of motor neurons that controls voluntary movements, such as walking or writing.

Medications that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior.

A reliable online source for up-to-date information on prescription and over-the-counter medications, provided by the National Library of Medicine.

A resource for patients and their families to get easy-to-understand medication information.

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

The division of the ANS that prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

The division of the ANS that promotes 'rest-and-digest' activities, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting digestion.

A state of balance in the body's internal environment, maintained through the actions of the SNS and PNS.

Chemicals released by the SNS that bind to receptors on cells, causing various effects.

Drugs that mimic the effects of SNS stimulation, like increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Drugs that block the effects of SNS stimulation by binding to SNS receptors.

Chemicals released by the PNS that bind to receptors on cells, causing various effects, like slowing heart rate and promoting digestion.

Antidepressants take time to work, usually 2 or more weeks to reach peak effectiveness.

Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

They prevent the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the brain.

They inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

They block the reuptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine.

They block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to higher levels of these neurotransmitters.

They inhibit the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, leading to increased levels.

These can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in learning, motor control, reward, emotion, and executive functions. Abnormal levels are linked to several mental health disorders, including Parkinson's disease, addiction, and schizophrenia.

An excitatory neurotransmitter that is involved in memory and learning. Elevated levels are associated with psychosis, such as schizophrenia and methamphetamine use.

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down overexcited nerve cells. Low levels are associated with conditions like seizures, anxiety, mania, and impulse control.

A neurotransmitter that modulates mood, sleep, libido, and temperature regulation. Its abnormal levels are linked to depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

A neurotransmitter that stimulates nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system. Substances that bind to these receptors have various effects on the body and mind.

A neurotransmitter that affects stress, sleep, attention, and focus by stimulating alpha- and beta-receptors in the sympathetic nervous system.

Antidepressants are medications primarily used to treat depression but also for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.

Antidepressants generally work well for improving depression symptoms and preventing relapse.

A class of medications that bind to GABA receptors and increase the inhibitory effects of GABA, leading to a calming effect on the brain and nervous system.

A group of medications commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, their short-term use is ideal for treating acute anxiety and panic attacks, but they can be habit-forming.

A common side effect associated with benzodiazepines is sedation, which can result in drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reactions.

Beta-blockers are used to manage the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.

A class of medications primarily used to manage psychosis, a condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality, involving delusions or hallucinations.

Antipsychotics have various uses beyond psychosis, including management of severe mental conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.

Lithium toxicity is a serious situation that can occur when lithium levels in the blood exceed 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L.

Lithium is a mood-stabilizing medication, commonly used for bipolar disorder, and its effectiveness relies on maintaining safe and therapeutic levels within the body.

Medications used to treat ADHD by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are often prescribed for children and adults with ADHD but require careful supervision due to potential for misuse.

A class of medications used to treat alcohol use disorder. They work by reducing cravings and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

A category of drugs that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior. These often target the central nervous system and neurotransmitters.

This refers to the process of reducing and managing withdrawal symptoms from substance use.

A type of prescription drug that has a high potential for misuse or addiction and is subject to strict regulations.

This warning is issued by the FDA to alert prescribers and patients about serious potential risks associated with a medication.