Tag: Neuropharmacology

Among young adults aged 18-25, non-medical use of prescription stimulants is a significant concern, with college students being particularly at risk [1.5.7]. But what happens if I take Adderall and don't have ADHD? The effects are often dangerous and counterproductive.

Approximately one-third of patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) show signs of abnormal blood coagulation upon hospital admission, which increases their risk of mortality [1.2.1]. This article explores the question: What does tranexamic acid do to the brain in these critical situations?

According to product information, insomnia is a common side effect of amantadine, affecting approximately 5-10% of patients. So, **can amantadine cause insomnia?** Yes, and understanding the pharmacological basis and management strategies for this sleep disruption is crucial for those taking the medication.

Up to one-third of hospitalized people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been prescribed contraindicated medications, which can lead to serious complications. This highlights the critical importance of understanding which medications are not recommended for someone with Parkinson's to prevent worsening motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as adverse drug reactions.

First used as an antiviral medication in the 1960s, amantadine was serendipitously discovered to have antiparkinsonian properties and is still used today. While not as potent as levodopa for core motor symptoms, its specific ability to target and reduce the involuntary movements known as dyskinesia is its most significant and enduring clinical application.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, fundamentally changing how the brain's reward and emotional centers operate. This article explores the precise neuropharmacological mechanisms behind the question: how do stimulants affect the limbic system?

Modafinil, a drug primarily approved to treat narcolepsy, functions by altering multiple neurotransmitter systems to promote wakefulness. However, definitive answers to whether modafinil affects the brain long term are not yet available, leaving questions about the potential for chronic risks and benefits.

Over 21 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders, a condition profoundly shaped by changes in brain chemistry. Understanding **what happens when drugs disrupt the brain's communication system** is critical for grasping the roots of addiction and its long-term neurological consequences.

Delirium occurs in up to 50% of intubated adults in the ICU and up to 85% of patients in palliative care [1.2.2, 1.7.3]. This article explores the historical and clinical reasons **why is Haldol preferred in delirium** management despite evolving treatment guidelines.

While primarily known for blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, studies show that amitriptyline also interacts with GABA receptors. This multifaceted action contributes significantly to its therapeutic effects in depression, pain, and sleep disorders. But how exactly **does amitriptyline work on gaba receptors**?