HPRS 2300 Pharmacology- Nervous System

Describe the four major parts of the brain. Name three benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs and explain the mechanism by which they produce hypnotic effects Describe the mechanisms of action of drugs that increase dopamine or decrease acetylcholine levels in the basal ganglia. Describe five adverse effects associated with aMianxiety drugs. Describe the common adverse effects and the specific neurologic conditions caused by antipsychotic drugs. Explain the use of lithium in mania and the adverse effects associated with its use.

Answer:

In this chapter, “Focus on Pharmacology” by Moini, talking about how the nervous system CNS) control all activities of the body. The activities include; ability to think, remember, feel, move and being aware of all the activities around the world. It was interesting to learn how the human brain functions. The brain contains billions of neurons that coordinate all body activities such as maintaining homeostasis and varying environment. The neurons produces a chemical compound known as neurotransmitters. This chemical enable continuous communication between neurons. There exists a common neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, gamma-amino butyric and glutamate (Moini, 2011). The nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord that forms the central nervous system (CNS) and the nerves that joins the CNS to other body parts resulting to the formation of peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS and PNS are used for integrative, sensory and motor. The brain contains; cerebrum, brain stem, cerebellum and diencephalon.

Different drugs used to treat central nervous system conditions can be fatal if carelessly used. These drugs also do not require one to consume alcohol or any other CNS sedatives. I was once a witness to a friend who suffered from lack of sleep. She was then administered with benzodiazepines (diazepam). With time, she turned out with addiction. She was pregnant while still under medication and this must have triggered a miscarriage. She also turned out to be having a kidney problem.  As a pharmacologist, I have learnt that effective precautions when using CNS drugs must be considered. Patients should not drastically withdraw medication after long use.

References

Moini, J. (2011). Focus on pharmacology. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice