Neurological Drugs Flashcards
Why is not possible to give Dopamine to treat Parkinson’s
It doesn’t cross the Blood Brain Barrier
What is Levodopa?
A precursor of dopamine that can cross the BBB - used to treat Parkinson’s
How do Ropinirole and Pramipexol treat Parkinson’s?
Selective agonists of the D2 receptor
Parkinson’s Treatment Contra-indications
Elderly, Psychiatric disease (they can cause hallucinations), CVD (can cause hypotension)
What ‘effect’ can you get with Levodopa?
Wearing-off effect
Symptoms worsen towards end of doasge interval
What happens if you increase the dose of Levodopa to combat the wearing-off effect?
= ‘On-Off Effect’
Excessive and Involuntary movements
What is Levodopa always given with?
A Peripheral Dopa-Decarboxylase Inhibitor (Carbidopa)
How does Carbidopa work?
Reduced conversion to dopamine outside of the brain
= reduces nausea and lowers dose needed
Anti-Convulsant Examples
Phenytoin, Carbamezapine, Sodium Valproate, Lamotrigine, Gabapentin
How do conventional Anti-Convulsants work?
Block sodium channels or Enhance GABA function
What are Anti-Convulsants used for?
Epilepsy
Also: Bipolar disorder, BPD, Neuropathic pain
Anti-Convulsants Risk Factors
Dizziness, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Tremor, Rash, Weight gain
What do you have to be wary of with Anti-Convulsants?
Many Contra-indications and Interactions
