Author: Glossary
-
Amphetamine mixed salts
A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug combination of extroamphetamine and amphetamine (mixed salts) used to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. In some cases, this medication has been used to treat depression or as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of exogenous obesity. Marketed under the brand name adderall; generic formulations…
-
Amphetamine
A drug that stimulates dopamine release in the central nervous system (CNS), causing elevated mood and increased wakefulness, alertness, concentration, and physical performance. Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and come in a variety of forms (pills, liquid, or powder). Withdrawal can produce a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. It is used clinically to…
-
Ampakines
A new class of compounds known to enhance attention span and alertness and facilitate learning and memory. The ampakines take their name from the glutamatergic ampa (Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic Acid) receptor, with which they strongly interact. They are being investigated as a potential treatment for a range of conditions involving mental disability and disturbances, such as alzheimer’s…
-
AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)
A compound that is a specific agonist for the AMPA receptor, where it mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
-
Amoxapine
An older tetracyclic antidepressant medication that has been reported to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) (muscle stiffness, motor restlessness, and decreased movements) and tardive dyskinesia. Now available only as generic but may still be known by the discontinued brand name asendin. A heterocyclic antidepressant drug. Amoxapine, a tricyclic antidepressant medication, may elicit certain potential adverse effects.…
-
Amotivational syndrome
A syndrome characterized by loss of drive, passivity, lack of concern for one’s appearance, no desire to work regularly, and fatigue. Some long-term frequent users of marijuana show signs of amotivational syndrome. A pattern of personality changes observed in some frequent users of marijuana marked by apathy, lack of concern for the future, and loss…
-
Amotivation
One of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, characterized by lack of interest, passivity, and loss of drive.
-
Amok
A dissociative episode characterized by a period of brooding followed by outbursts of aggressive, violent, homicidal behaviors. The episode tends to be precipitated by a perceived slight or insult and seems to be more prevalent among males. The episode is often accompanied by persecutory ideas, automatism, amnesia, exhaustion, and a return to premorbid state following…
-
Amobarbital
An older sedative-hypnotic from the class of medications called barbiturates that is now seldom used in clinical practice, in part because of its lethality in overdose and its high likelihood for abuse and dependence. A barbiturate sedative-hypnotic. Barbiturate drug with sedative-hypnotic effects used for the relief of insomnia and as an anticonvulsant; commonly known as…
-
Amnestic disorder
A mental disorder characterized by impairment of memory. The person is unable to learn new information and to recall previously learned knowledge. It is termed transient if impairment lasts for 1 month or less or chronic if impairment lasts for more than 1 month. Amnestic disorder may be substance induced or due to a general…