1. The Central Nervous System

2. Neuron è The basic functional unit of the CNS è Exhibits excitability è Exhibits conductivity

3. X The microscopic gap separating neurons Synapse Synapse

4. Neurotransmitters A chemical substance capable of transmitting an impulse across the synaptic cleft A chemical substance capable of transmitting an impulse across the synaptic cleft l Contained in small sacs called vesicles

5. Variety of neurotransmitters è Cause acute CNS reaction è Small molecule è Rapidly acting Which are these? Which are these?

6. ANSWERS: ¶ Acetylcholine · Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin ¸ Asparate, Gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, Glycine

7. Variety of neurotransmitters: è Causes prolonged CNS reactions è Large molecule è Slow acting Which are these? Which are these?

8. Answers: ¶ Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) · Insulin

9. Factors: s Synaptic fatigue s Upregulation s Downregulation

10. Dysfunction s Excessive stimulation: 1. Muscle cramps 1. Muscle cramps 2. Convulsions 2. Convulsions 3. Psychotic symptoms 3. Psychotic symptoms 4. Hallucinations 4. Hallucinations 5. Tension 5. Tension

11. And........ s Depression results in: 1. Decreased levels of consciousness 1. Decreased levels of consciousness 2. Respiratory depression 2. Respiratory depression

12. Narcotics and Analgesics t Mechanism of action: Bind to opiod receptors on cell membranes of specific neurons in the brain resulting in decreased pain Bind to opiod receptors on cell membranes of specific neurons in the brain resulting in decreased pain

13. Analgesics & Antipyretics n Mechanism of action: Inactivates cyclooxegenayse which prevents prostaglandin formation Inactivates cyclooxegenayse which prevents prostaglandin formation

14. Sedatives & Hypnotics l Barbiturates l Benzodiazepines l Nonbarbiturates & Nonbenzodiazepines

15. Mechanism of Action Barbiturates Barbiturates u Inhibits function of nerve cells of nerve cellsBenzodiazepines u Bind with receptors to increase the effects of GABA

16. Antianxiety Drugs H Benzodiazepines are the most common H Mechanism of action: Facilitate the inhibitory effects of GABA Facilitate the inhibitory effects of GABA

17. Antidepressant Drugs è Types of drugs: 1. Tricyclic antidepressants 1. Tricyclic antidepressants 2. SSRI 2. SSRI 3. MAOI 3. MAOI

18. Mechanism of Action ò Increases the amount of neurotransmitters (serotonin & epinephrine)

19. Antipsychotics Z Treats psychotic processes Z Mechanism of action: Decreases the effects of Dopamine by occupying receptor sites

20. Anticonvulsants n Treats seizure disorders n Mechanism of action is unclear May: May: 1. Decreases neuronal excitability 2. Prevents spread of impulses

21. Alcohol ã Depresses the CNS ã Rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestines ã Quickly distributed to all body tissues