Part 6: CNS Pharmacology
Drugs Acting on the Central Nervous System
CNS pharmacology encompasses drugs that treat psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and pain. These medications work by modulating neurotransmitter systems including GABA, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and endogenous opioids.
Topics in This Part
6.1 Neurotransmission
Synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter synthesis, reuptake, metabolism
6.2 Anxiolytics & Sedatives
Benzodiazepines, GABA_A modulation, Z-drugs, barbiturates
6.3 Antidepressants
SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, atypical antidepressants
6.4 Antipsychotics
Typical/atypical, dopamine hypothesis, D2 antagonism, 5-HT2A
6.5 Anticonvulsants
Na+ channel blockers, GABA enhancers, seizure classification
6.6 Opioids & Analgesics
ฮผ/ฮบ/ฮด receptors, morphine, fentanyl, naloxone, pain pathways
6.7 Anesthetics
General vs local, IV anesthetics, inhalational agents, mechanism
Key Neurotransmitter Systems
GABA
Inhibitory; anxiolytics, sedatives
Glutamate
Excitatory; NMDA, AMPA
Dopamine
Reward, movement; antipsychotics
Serotonin
Mood; SSRIs, triptans
Norepinephrine
Arousal; SNRIs, TCAs
Endorphins
Pain modulation; opioids