Neuropharmacology Flashcards
What primary issues affect success of a drug
Issues related directly to disease: understanding the disease and defining correct treatment target
What secondary issues affect success of a drug
Related directly to therapeutic attempt. Importance of reaching target, minimise adverse affects, manage resistance
What causes Parkinsons’ disease?
Deficit in dopamine
What problems are presented when attempting to treat Parkinsons with administration of dopamine?
Neither dopamine or precursor (L-dopa) can reach brain
Administrating L-dopa orally leads to conversion to dopamine outside the brain–> vomiting
Solution to problems of treating Parkinsons?
Provide L-dopa combined with inhibitor of enzyme which doesn’t have access to brain
therefore, only converted in the brain
What causes shizophrenia
Increase in dopamine
Treatment option for schizophrenia?
Provide dopamine receptor antagnosis which block dopamine receptors
Why are there adverse effects to using neuroleptic drugs?
As well as blocking dopamine receptors, also block other receptors- not specific
What causes depression?
Insufficient levels of serotonin and noradrenaline
How do antidepressants work
Inhibit reuptake of monoamine (serotonin and noradrenaline)
What causes adverse effects of antidepressants?
Have affinity for histamine H1 receptors, muscarinic cholinergic receptors, adrenoreceptors so have many adverse effects
What is main aim of addiction treatment?
Reduce withdrawal symptoms
Effect of ecstacy on nervous system?
Increases monoamine release
Effect of cocaine on nervous system?
Inhibits monoamine uptake
Effect of ket on nervous system?
Glutamate receptor antagonist
