Pharmacology

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Alzheimer’s disease

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a chronic, progressive, degenerative cognitive disorder that accounts for more than 60% of all dementias. The most common form occurs in people over age 65 (senile dementia), but the presenile form can begin between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms include memory loss, deterioration of intellectual function, personality changes, and speech and language problems.

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anticoagulants

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drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots. There are a number of special ---- available that may be given to patients who have already suffered an ischemic stroke. These drugs are called antiplatelet drugs; they help to reduce the “stickiness” of blood platelets and reduce the likelihood that a stroke will recur. Examples of such drugs are Plavix and Aggrenox.

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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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a condition affecting children and adults that is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity, and overactivity. It affects between 3 - 7 percent of schoolage children and between 2 - 4 percent of adults.

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CNS depressants

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substances that slow down normal brain function. Because of this property, some ------ are used in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

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Barbiturates

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These are sedative drugs derived from barbituric acid that are used to induce sleep and relieve anxiety. It have been around for a long time. Some common barbiturates are Seconal (secobarbital) and Nembutal (pentobarbital). Note that the generic names of barbiturate drugs end with “-barbital.” These drugs can cause tolerance and dependence.

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Benzodiazepines

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A class of sedative drugs that is newer than the barbiturates. Benzodiazepines are most often used to treat insomnia and anxiety.

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CNS stimulants

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drugs that stimulate, or increase the activity of, the central nervous system (CNS). As the name suggests, stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also elevate blood pressure and increase heart rate and respiration. Stimulants historically were used to treat obesity; asthma and other respiratory problems; neurological disorders; and a variety of other ailments.

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epilepsy

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A disease marked by recurrent seizures (ie, by repetitive abnormal electrical discharges within the brain). is often managed with drugs such as Dilantin (phenytoin).

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hypnotics

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drugs that induce sleep and are used in the treatment of insomnia.

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migraine

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a headache characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain, often greater on one side; it may or may not be preceded by a warning (aura). It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

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narcolepsy

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a disorder marked by recurrent, uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleepiness.

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Parkinson’s disease

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a chronic disease of the central nervous system that occurs most often after the age of 50 and is associated with a deficiency of a chemical in the brain known as dopamine. Classic symptoms of the disease include a pill-rolling tremor of the hands, muscular rigidity, loss of facial expression, difficulty initiating movements (bradykinesia), and a shuffling gait.

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sedatives

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drugs that exert a soothing or tranquilizing effect in smaller doses and that promote sleep in larger doses. Sedatives are CNS depressants.

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seizure

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a convulsion caused by a sudden discharge of electrical activity in the brain.

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stroke

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death of brain tissue due to an interrupted blood supply and subsequent lack of oxygen. A ---- is also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

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thrombolytics

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drugs that break up a blood clot, sometimes referred to as “clot-busting” drugs.

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thrombolytic therapy

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a treatment used to break up dangerous clots inside the blood vessels. To perform this treatment, physicians usually inject a clot-dissolving medication into a blood vessel, and the medication flows through the bloodstream to the clot. In other cases, the physician guides a long, thin catheter through the blood vessel to the area of the clot. The catheter then delivers the medication to break up the clot.

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transient ischemic attack (TIA)

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a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain, resulting in a brief period of neurologic dysfunction (blurring of vision, slurring of speech, numbness, etc.) TIAs may be a warning sign for stroke. They are often referred to as “mini-strokes.”