Central Nervous System Agents

Medications acting on the brain, spinal cord, and neural pathways.

4 drugs in this class

Sub-classes

Drugs in Central Nervous System Agents

Gabapentin

Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant

Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release. Exact mechanism not fully understood.

AnticonvulsantsSmall Molecule

Indications: Partial seizures (adjunctive therapy), Postherpetic neuralgia...

Escitalopram

Lexapro, Cipralex

FDA Approved

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Potently and selectively inhibits neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission.

SSRI AntidepressantsSmall Molecule

Indications: Major depressive disorder (MDD), Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)...

Fluoxetine

Prozac, Sarafem

FDA Approved

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the first drug in its class, widely used for depression, OCD, and eating disorders.

SSRI AntidepressantsSmall Molecule

Indications: Major depressive disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder...

Duloxetine

Cymbalta, Irenka

FDA Approved

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for depression, anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

SNRI AntidepressantsSmall Molecule

Indications: Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder...

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