Author: Glossary

Excessive stimulation of serotonin receptors. the syndrome may be caused by the concurrent consumption of two or more serotonergic drugs. symptoms include lethargy, mental confusion, flushing, diaphoresis, and tremor; in more severe cases, hyperthermia, hypertonicity, renal failure, and death may occur. The adverse effects of excessive levels of serotonin in the brain, typically caused by…

Sites located on the surface membranes of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system to which the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) binds, thereby activating serotonin neurons and downstream pathways. Serotonin receptors (seven classes [5-HT1–5-HT7] have been identified, many of which have multiple subtypes) are involved in many biological and neurological processes,…

A class of atypical antidepressants that exert their action by inhibiting presynaptic reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. They are used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders as well as in pain management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (prestiq), and venlafaxine (effexor).  

A class of medications known as the atypical antipsychotics. both conventional antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics are antagonists of dopamine receptors; however, the newer agents are also potent antagonists of serotonin receptors (5-HT2A). As a result of this distinctive receptor profile, SDAs may be more effective than conventional antipsychotics in reducing negative symptoms of schizophrenia. they…

Drugs that block or reverse the actions of serotonin by preventing serotonin from attaching to serotonin receptors. Any of a class of medications used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting. Examples are ondansetron (Zofran) and granisetron (Kytril). A category of medications, also referred to as 5HT3 antagonists, is utilized to manage nausea and vomiting…

A class of atypical antidepressant medications that block postsynaptic serotonin (5-HT2) receptors and (to a lesser extent) inhibit presynaptic reuptake of serotonin. These medications are used primarily in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. examples of SARIs include trazodone and nefazodone.  

Drugs that bind to serotonin receptors in place of serotonin and directly stimulate those receptors. Serotonin agonists such as sumatriptan are used to reduce the pain of an acute migraine headache by increasing serotonin levels. A class of medications, also called 5HT1 agonists, is employed to manage acute migraine episodes characterized by the enlargement of…

Former brand name for the withdrawn conventional antipsychotic drug mesoridazine. A commercial preparation of mesoridazine.  

Brand name (now discontinued) for the benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug oxazepam. A commercial preparation of oxazepam.