Epilepsy: Pathophysiology, Treatment

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can vary in type and severity. It is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Pathophysiology of Epilepsy Epilepsy arises from an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory … Read more

Toxicity following sudden withdrawal of drugs

Toxicity following sudden withdrawal of drugs, often referred to as drug withdrawal syndrome, occurs when a person abruptly stops or reduces the dosage of a drug that their body has become physically dependent on. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe life-threatening reactions. The mechanisms of withdrawal toxicity … Read more

Drug Abuse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

IntroductionDrug abuse, medically referred to as substance abuse, signifies the deliberate, recurrent, and harmful consumption of psychoactive substances—including both legal and illegal drugs—which adversely affects an individual’s physical health, mental stability, emotional well-being, and social life. It is a growing global health concern that not only impacts individuals but also reverberates through families, communities, and … Read more

Drug Addiction: Treatment Strategies

Drug addiction, clinically referred to as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing brain disease that manifests as an uncontrollable compulsion to seek and use drugs, despite the detrimental consequences it brings to physical, psychological, social, and occupational well-being. It is recognized not only as a complex disorder of the brain’s reward … Read more

Anti-Anxiety Agents

Anti-anxiety agents, also known as anxiolytics or tranquilizers, are medications used to treat anxiety disorders and related conditions by reducing feelings of anxiety, tension, and nervousness. They can provide symptomatic relief for acute episodes of anxiety or be used on a more long-term basis to manage chronic anxiety symptoms. Classification of Anti Anxiety Agents Anti-anxiety … Read more

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: definition, classification, mechanism and side effects

Definition: Centrally acting muscle relaxants are a class of medications used to alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce skeletal muscle tone and hyperactivity. They are commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, spasticity, and fibromyalgia, as well as for certain neurological … Read more

Sedatives: definition, classification, mechanism and side effects

Sedatives are drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS), producing a calming or tranquilizing effect, and are used to alleviate anxiety, induce relaxation, promote sleep, and reduce agitation. Sedatives are often prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and acute agitation, as well as for preoperative sedation and procedural sedation. They act by … Read more

Anti-emetics- Definition, Classification, Uses, Indications and contraindications

Anti-emetics are medications designed to prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting. These drugs target specific receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract involved in the vomiting reflex. Anti-emetics are commonly used in various situations where nausea and vomiting are prevalent, such as during chemotherapy, postoperative recovery, and motion sickness. The goal of anti-emetic treatment is … Read more

Psychotropics- Drugs of misuse and abuse

Drugs of misuse “Drugs of misuse” refer to substances used in ways other than intended, posing potential harm. This includes actions like using medications without a prescription, exceeding prescribed doses, or using them non-medically. Misuse doesn’t necessarily imply addiction but involves deviating from recommended guidelines, leading to negative consequences. Commonly misused drugs include prescription medications, … Read more

General anaesthetics: Definition, Classification, Pharmacological actions, Dose, Indications and Contraindications

General anaesthetics are a class of drugs that induce a reversible loss of consciousness, sensation, and memory, allowing for the performance of medical procedures or surgery to be pain-free and controlled. These agents act on the central nervous system, producing a state of unconsciousness and muscle relaxation, allowing surgical interventions without causing pain or discomfort … Read more