Pharmacology of the Nervous System

Pharmacology of the nervous system deals with the actions of drugs on various components of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neuropharmacology focuses on understanding how drugs interact with neurotransmitter systems to modulate neuronal activity. Drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) can act on receptors for neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), affecting behaviors, mood, and cognition. Psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics, are commonly prescribed to treat mental health disorders. Neuromuscular blockers are used during surgical procedures to induce muscle relaxation, while analgesics are administered to alleviate pain by acting on pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. The blood-brain barrier poses a challenge for drug delivery to the CNS, requiring specific pharmacokinetic considerations. Adverse drug reactions affecting the nervous system can manifest as sedation, dizziness, seizures, or neurotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pharmacological properties of neuroactive compounds.