Question

CNS Drugs: aripiprazole, bupropion, chlorpromazine, diazepam, fluoxetine, haloperidol, imipramine, lithium, phenelzine, valproic acid, venlafaxine, acetaminophen, aspirin, celecoxib, codeine, hydrocodone, ibuprofen, morphine, naloxone

PNS Drugs: bethanechol, atropine, succinylcholine, neostigmine, epinephrine, prazosin, propranolol, metoprolol, clonidine, & pancuronium

What analogies can you draw and/or similarities can you identify in side effects, mechanisms of action, and/or physiological effects between the CNS drugs on the list and the PNS drugs listed?

Answer 1

CNS DRUGS SIDE EFFECTS:

• seizures
• shakiness
• anxiety
• agitation
• insomnia
• overactive reflexes
• increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature with sweating ​​​​​ •hallucinations •severe cravings MECHANISM OF ACTION:
•   In pharmacology, the term mechanism of action (MOA) refers to the specific biochemical interaction through which a drug substance produces its pharmacological effect. A mechanism of action usually includes mention of the specific molecular targets to which the drug binds, such as an enzyme or receptor. PNS DRUGS SIDE EFFECTS:
• Long-term drug abuse can impede proper functioning of the nervous system. It can impact neuron transmission, cause nerve and tissue damage, contribute to brain damage, and reduce the functioning of vital organs.
• MECHANISM OF ACTION:

• The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS or cholinergic system):

  Acetylcholine is the major transmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, but is also the transmitter at the ganglia of both the sympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems and the somatic nervous system. Cholinergic nerves are also present within the CNS. For this reason, drugs that modulate cholinergic neurotransmission can potentially produce a range of effects. Fewer responses are achieved by using drugs which act more selectively at muscarinic or nicotinic receptors.

  The steps involved in cholinergic neurotransmission are outlined below and further information is provided here.

  There are two subtypes of acetylcholine receptors in the autonomic nervous system. They are outlined here. Nicotinic receptors are present at the ganglia of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the ANS as well as on the adrenal medulla. Muscarinic receptors are activated by ACh released by the postganglionic parasympathetic nerves and thus mediate the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system. In addition, muscarinic receptors mediate the actions of the sympathetic cholinergic nerves (e.g. sweating).

• PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS:

• If the central nervous system is the command centre of the body, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) represents the front line. The PNS links the CNS to the body's sense receptors, muscles, and glands.