Brain & Nervous System
Disorder Medications

Types of Medications & How They Work

Brain and nervous system disorders can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting cognitive, motor, and sensory abilities. Medications are one of the primary ways to manage these disorders and improve the symptoms associated with them.

There are a variety of medications available to treat brain and nervous system disorders, including medications that target specific neurotransmitters, modulate brain activity, and reduce inflammation.

Treatment approaches can vary depending on the type of disorder and the individual’s specific needs. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective medication and treatment plan for each individual.

Alzheimer’s Disease

There are several medications available to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but there is currently no cure for the disease. Here are some of the most common medications used to treat Alzheimer’s:

1. Cholinesterase inhibitors: Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, help increase the level of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in the brain. This can help improve memory and thinking.
2. Memantine: This medication works by regulating the activity of another neurotransmitter called glutamate, which can be overactive in Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine can help improve cognitive function and slow down the progression of the disease.
3. Combination therapy: A combination of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

There are several types of medications available to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. These medications work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, replacing dopamine or mimicking its effects, or by reducing the breakdown of dopamine.

Here are some of the most commonly used medications for Parkinson’s:

• Levodopa: This group of medications convert to dopamine in the brain which helps improve motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement.
• Dopamine agonists: These medications mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain and can help improve motor symptoms. Examples include pramipexole and ropinirole.
• MAO-B inhibitors: Selegiline and rasagiline, help prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, leading to increased dopamine levels.
• COMT inhibitors: Entacapone and tolcapone, help prolong the effects of levodopa by inhibiting its breakdown in the body.
• Anticholinergics: Benztropine and trihexyphenidyl, can help improve tremors and stiffness by blocking the activity of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy medications work by reducing the frequency and severity of seizures, and the choice of medication depends on the type of epilepsy and individual factors. Here are some of the most commonly used medications for epilepsy:

1. Anticonvulsants: These medications, also called antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), are the most common type of medication used to treat epilepsy. They work by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. Examples include carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid.
2. Benzodiazepines: These medications, such as clonazepam and diazepam, can be used to treat acute seizures or to prevent seizures from occurring during a known trigger.
3. Barbiturates: These medications, such as phenobarbital, can help control seizures by slowing down brain activity.
4. Calcium channel blockers: Gabapentin and pregabalin, can be effective in treating certain types of seizures, particularly those that are difficult to control with other medications.
5. Ketogenic diet: This is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in some people with epilepsy.

Multiple Sclerosis

The medications used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) works by reducing inflammation, slowing the progression of the disease, and managing symptoms. Here are some of the most commonly used medications for MS:

• Interferons: Interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b, are injected under the skin or into the muscle and can help reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses.
• Glatiramer acetate: This medication is also injected and can help reduce the frequency of MS relapses by modulating the immune system.
• Immunosuppressants: Mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide, work by suppressing the immune system and can help slow down the progression of MS.
• Monoclonal antibodies: Natalizumab and alemtuzumab, target specific immune cells and can help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of MS.
• Symptomatic medications: Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and urinary incontinence medications, can help manage symptoms associated with MS, such as muscle spasms, depression, and bladder dysfunction.

Migraines

The medications used to treat migraines work by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing future migraines. Here are some of the most commonly used medications for migraines:

• Triptans: Medications, such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan, work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation. They can be taken as tablets, injections, or nasal sprays and are most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Ergotamines: Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine, work by constricting blood vessels and can be effective in treating migraines that last for more than 48 hours.
• Anti-nausea medications: Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine, can help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.
• Preventive medications: Beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, are taken daily to prevent future migraines from occurring.

Strokes

Medications used to treat strokes work by restoring blood flow to the brain, preventing blood clots from forming or growing, and reducing the risk of future strokes. Here are some of the most commonly used medications for strokes:

• Thrombolytics: Alteplase and tenecteplase, are used to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. They must be given within a few hours of the onset of stroke symptoms and can help reduce the severity of the stroke and improve outcomes.
• Antiplatelet agents: These medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, help prevent blood clots from forming by reducing the stickiness of platelets in the blood. They are often used in combination with other medications to prevent future strokes.
• Anticoagulants: Warfarin and dabigatran, help prevent blood clots from forming by interfering with the clotting process. They are often used to treat certain types of strokes caused by blood clots in the heart.
• Blood pressure medications: ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, can help lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of future strokes.
• Statins: Atorvastatin and simvastatin, help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which can reduce the risk of future strokes.