Pharmacology CNS Drugs for UPSC CMS: Analgesics, Anaesthetics, Antidepressants and Antiepileptics

Analgesics#

NSAIDs: Inhibit COX (1 and 2). Decrease prostaglandins. Side effects: GI bleed, renal impairment, bronchospasm (aspirin).

Opioids: Morphine, Pethidine, Fentanyl. Mechanism: Mu receptor agonism. Side effects: respiratory depression, constipation, dependence.

Antidepressants#

SSRIs: Fluoxetine, Sertraline. Inhibit serotonin reuptake. Side effects: GI upset, sexual dysfunction.

TCAs: Amitriptyline. Inhibit NE + 5-HT reuptake. Side effects: anticholinergic, cardiac (arrhythmia), sedation.

Antiepileptics#

Phenytoin (Na+ channel), Carbamazepine (Na+ channel), Valproate (multiple), Phenobarbital (GABA), Levetiracetam (SV2A).