CNS Stimulants & ADHD
This Schedule II central nervous system stimulant works by increasing the synaptic release of both norepinephrine and dopamine.
What is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) or Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta)?
Central-acting muscle relaxants like Baclofen and Cyclobenzaprine relieve muscle spasms by enhancing the inhibitory effects of this neurotransmitter.
What is GABA?
Primary antiseizure medications like Phenytoin and Carbamazepine prevent abnormal neuronal firing by inhibiting the influx of this ion.
What is Sodium Na+
This combination therapy for Parkinson's disease works by converting directly into dopamine within neurons located in the substantia nigra.
What is Levodopa/Carbidopa?
Interferons manage Multiple Sclerosis by suppressing the autoimmune response where leukocytes attack this protective neuronal layer.
What is the myelin sheath?
To prevent insomnia caused by stimulant therapy, nurses instruct patients to administer doses at these specific times of day.
What are before breakfast and before lunch (or avoid evening/bedtime doses)?
Unlike central-acting agents, Dantrolene works directly on skeletal muscle tissue by blocking the intracellular release of this ion necessary for contraction.
What is Calcium Ca2+?
This common oral side effect of Phenytoin therapy requires nurses to educate patients on performing frequent dental checkups
What is gingival hyperplasia?
Donepezil improves cognitive function in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting this enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine
What is Acetylcholinesterase (Cholinesterase)?
Sumatriptan relieves vascular migraine headaches by acting as an agonist at these specific receptor sites.
What are Serotonin (5-HT) receptors?
Because stimulants suppress appetite, nurses must perform this essential assessment regularly in pediatric patients.
What is recording height, weight, and tracking growth?
Patients taking Dantrolene require baseline and periodic monitoring of this organ system due to potential drug toxicity.
What is liver function (hepatic testing)?
Patients taking Carbamazepine must strictly avoid this dietary beverage because it increases drug blood levels and toxicity risks
What is grapefruit juice?
Pramipexole manages Parkinson's symptoms through this mechanism of action.
What is direct dopamine receptor agonist (binding and mimicking dopamine)?
Sumatriptan is strictly contraindicated in patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or uncontrolled hypertension due to the risk of this severe vascular response.
What is coronary vasospasm?
Patients taking CNS stimulants should avoid this common dietary item because it exacerbates cardiovascular side effects like tachycardia and hypertension
What is caffeine?
Abruptly stopping intrathecal Baclofen therapy can precipitate this severe rebound adverse effect.
What is rebound spasticity?
This class of medications—specifically Diazepam or Lorazepam—serves as the First-Line Step 1 intervention to arrest active Status Epilepticus.
What are Benzodiazepines
Memantine protects neurons in Alzheimer's disease by blocking NMDA receptors to decrease intracellular levels of this damaging ion.
What is Calcium?
This local anesthetic acts by blocking sensory nerve transmissions in localized areas of the body.
What is Lidocaine?
This non-amphetamine drug is used specifically as a non-stimulant alternative for treating Narcolepsy.
What is Modafinil?
Peripheral-acting Dantrolene is uniquely indicated for treating this life-threatening medical emergency often triggered by general anesthesia
What is Malignant Hyperthermia?
To prevent severe neonatal hemorrhage post-delivery, pregnant patients taking antiseizure drugs should receive this supplement during the final days of pregnancy.
What is Vitamin K?
Selegiline preserves dopamine concentrations in Parkinson's disease by selectively inhibiting this specific enzyme type.
What is Monoamine Oxidase Type B (MAO-B)?
This opioid agent is commonly administered as an adjunct alongside general anesthetics to provide potent analgesic and sedative effects.
What is Fentanyl?