Nervous system and psychiatry
172 drugs
Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists
- About this sectionNon-dopaminergic add-on for Parkinson disease: blocking striatal A2A receptors boosts D2 signalling and…
- IstradefyllineAdenosine A2A receptor
ADHD medicines
- About this sectionStimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine) that raise dopamine and…
- AmfetamineVesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and the dopamine and noradrenaline transporters
- AtomoxetineNoradrenaline transporter (NET)
- DexamfetamineVesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and the dopamine and noradrenaline transporters
- GuanfacineAlpha-2A adrenergic receptor (agonist)
- MethylphenidateDopamine transporter (DAT)
- ViloxazineNoradrenaline transporter (NET); also serotonin 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors
Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies
- About this sectionAntibodies that clear amyloid plaques from the brain in early Alzheimer disease. They slow decline but do…
- DonanemabAmyloid beta (Aβ) in amyloid plaques
- LecanemabAggregated amyloid beta (Aβ), cleaved from amyloid precursor protein
Antiparkinson anticholinergics
- About this sectionCentral antimuscarinic drugs for tremor and drug-induced dystonia or parkinsonism. Poorly tolerated by older…
- BenzatropineMuscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 shown)
- BiperidenMuscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 shown)
- TrihexyphenidylMuscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 shown)
Antiseizure medicines
- About this sectionMedicines that calm overexcited brain circuits so seizures stop or happen less often. Most people with…
- BrivaracetamSynaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A)
- CannabidiolSeveral possible targets (antiseizure mechanism not established)
- CarbamazepineVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- CenobamateVoltage-gated sodium channels (persistent current) and the GABA-A receptor
- ClobazamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- EslicarbazepineVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- EthosuximideT-type calcium channel (Cav3)
- FelbamateNMDA receptor, glycine site (GluN1)
- FenfluramineSerotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin receptors
- FosphenytoinVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav), through phenytoin
- LacosamideVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- LamotrigineVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- LevetiracetamSynaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A)
- OxcarbazepineVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- PerampanelAMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor (GluA2)
- PhenobarbitalGABA-A receptor (α1β2γ2)
- PhenytoinVoltage-gated sodium channel (Nav)
- PrimidoneGABA-A receptor (through its metabolite phenobarbital)
- RufinamideVoltage-gated sodium channels
- StiripentolGABA-A receptor and GABA metabolism
- TiagabineGABA transporter 1 (GAT-1)
- TopiramateSeveral targets; the figure shows carbonic anhydrase II
- Valproic acidSeveral targets: sodium channels, T-type calcium channels, GABA levels and histone deacetylases
- VigabatrinGABA transaminase (GABA-T)
- ZonisamideVoltage-gated sodium channels and T-type calcium channels
Antivertigo agents
- About this sectionMedicines that reduce vertigo from inner-ear disorders such as Ménière's disease.
- BetahistineInner-ear circulation (mechanism not fully established)
Atypical antidepressants
- About this sectionAntidepressants that work in other ways than the classic groups: bupropion, mirtazapine and trazodone. Each…
- BupropionNorepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine transporter (DAT)
- EsketamineNMDA glutamate receptor (GluN1/GluN2)
- MirtazapineAlpha-2A adrenergic receptor (also 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and H1 receptors)
- NefazodoneSerotonin 5-HT2A receptor (antagonist); weak serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition
- TrazodoneSerotonin 5-HT2A receptor (also SERT, alpha-1 and H1 receptors)
- VilazodoneSerotonin transporter (SERT); also 5-HT1A receptor (partial agonist)
- VortioxetineSerotonin transporter (SERT); also 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT1D receptors (antagonist) and 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B (partial agonist); the 5-HT3A receptor is shown
Barbiturates
- About this sectionOld sedative-hypnotics that act on GABA-A receptors. Now used mainly for seizures and anaesthesia, because…
- PentobarbitalGABA-A receptor (barbiturate site)
Benzodiazepines
- About this sectionCalming medicines that strengthen the brain's main brake, GABA. They treat anxiety, seizures and alcohol…
- AlprazolamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ChlordiazepoxideGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ClonazepamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- DiazepamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- LorazepamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- MidazolamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- OxazepamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- RemimazolamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- TemazepamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- TriazolamGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
CGRP antagonists (gepants and anti-CGRP antibodies)
- About this sectionMigraine medicines that block CGRP, a neuropeptide released by trigeminal nerves: monthly antibodies for…
- AtogepantCGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CALCRL, with RAMP1)
- ErenumabCGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CALCRL)
- FremanezumabCGRP peptide (the ligand, not the receptor)
- GalcanezumabCGRP peptide (the ligand, not the receptor)
- RimegepantCGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CALCRL, with RAMP1)
- UbrogepantCGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CALCRL, with RAMP1)
Cholinesterase inhibitors
- About this sectionMedicines that slow the breakdown of acetylcholine, so more of it acts on nerves and muscles. Used in…
- DonepezilAcetylcholinesterase
- EdrophoniumAcetylcholinesterase
- GalantamineAcetylcholinesterase
- NeostigmineAcetylcholinesterase
- PhysostigmineAcetylcholinesterase
- PyridostigmineAcetylcholinesterase
- RivastigmineAcetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase
COMT inhibitors
- About this sectionAdd-on drugs that make each levodopa dose last longer by blocking its breakdown by COMT. Used for…
- EntacaponeCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
- OpicaponeCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
- TolcaponeCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
Ditans (5-HT1F receptor agonists)
- About this sectionMigraine attack medicines that stimulate the serotonin 5-HT1F receptor on trigeminal nerves without…
- LasmiditanSerotonin 5-HT1F receptor (HTR1F)
Dopamine agonists
- About this sectionDrugs that stimulate dopamine receptors directly. Used in Parkinson disease, restless legs and high…
- ApomorphineDopamine receptors (D1 and D2 families)
- BromocriptineDopamine D2 receptor
- CabergolineDopamine D2 receptor
- PramipexoleDopamine D3 and D2 receptors (D3 shown)
- RopiniroleDopamine D2 receptor
- RotigotineDopamine D2-like receptors (also D1)
Dopaminergic antiparkinson agents (levodopa and amantadine)
- About this sectionMedicines that restore dopamine signalling in the brain in Parkinson disease. Levodopa, given with a…
- AmantadineNMDA glutamate receptor (channel pore)
- Levodopa + benserazideAromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase)
- Levodopa + carbidopaAromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase)
First-generation antipsychotics
- About this sectionThe older «typical» antipsychotics: they block dopamine D2 receptors, calm psychosis and often cause…
- ChlorpromazineDopamine D2 receptor
- FluphenazineDopamine D2 receptor
- HaloperidolDopamine D2 receptor
- LoxapineDopamine D2 receptor (antagonist)
- PimozideDopamine D2 receptor (antagonist); hERG potassium channel shown
MAO-B inhibitors
- About this sectionDrugs that slow the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Modest benefit in Parkinson disease; watch for…
- RasagilineMonoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)
- SafinamideMonoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)
- SelegilineMonoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)
Medicines for alcohol use disorder
- About this sectionMedicines that help people stay away from alcohol: acamprosate eases craving, naltrexone reduces reward and…
- AcamprosateGlutamate and GABA systems (mechanism not fully known)
- DisulfiramAldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- About this sectionAntidepressants that block the enzyme breaking down serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Reserved for…
- PhenelzineMonoamine oxidase A and B
- TranylcypromineMonoamine oxidase A and B
Mood stabilizers
- About this sectionMedicines that treat mania and prevent new episodes of bipolar disorder. Lithium is the classic one…
- Lithium carbonateInositol monophosphatase and GSK-3 (proposed)
Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies
- About this sectionLong-term immune-modulating medicines that reduce relapses and new lesions in multiple sclerosis; several…
- AlemtuzumabCD52, a surface protein of lymphocytes
- Dimethyl fumarateKEAP1, the protein that controls the transcription factor Nrf2
- FampridineVoltage-gated potassium channels (Kv)
- FingolimodSphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1; also S1P3, S1P4, S1P5)
- Glatiramer acetateMHC class II molecules and myelin-reactive T cells (immunomodulation)
- NatalizumabAlpha-4 integrin (α4β1 and α4β7)
- OcrelizumabCD20 on B lymphocytes
- OzanimodSphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1)
- SiponimodSphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1)
- TeriflunomideDihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH)
Muscarinic antipsychotics
- About this sectionAntipsychotics that act through muscarinic M1 and M4 receptors instead of blocking dopamine D2 receptors…
- Xanomeline and trospiumMuscarinic M4 and M1 receptors (xanomeline, agonist); M4 shown
Neuroprotective agents for ALS
- About this sectionRiluzole and edaravone, medicines that modestly slow amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. They do not cure it or…
- EdaravoneFree radicals (oxidative stress)
- RiluzoleVoltage-gated sodium channels and glutamate signalling
- TofersenSOD1 mRNA (superoxide dismutase 1)
Neurosteroid antidepressants
- About this sectionNeuroactive steroids that boost GABA-A receptors; approved for postpartum depression. Their main risk is…
- BrexanoloneGABA-A receptor (positive allosteric modulator)
- ZuranoloneGABA-A receptor (neurosteroid site)
NMDA receptor antagonists (anti-dementia)
- About this sectionMemantine blocks overactive NMDA glutamate channels. Used in moderate to severe Alzheimer disease; it eases…
- MemantineNMDA glutamate receptor (channel pore)
Other anxiolytics
- About this sectionAnxiety medicines that are not benzodiazepines, such as buspirone: little sedation and no dependence, but…
- BuspironeSerotonin 5-HT1A receptor
Other hypnotics (melatonin agonists and orexin antagonists)
- About this sectionSleep medicines that do not act on GABA: melatonin and ramelteon stimulate melatonin receptors; suvorexant…
- DaridorexantOrexin receptors (OX1 shown)
- LemborexantOrexin receptors OX1 and OX2
- MelatoninMelatonin receptor MT1
- RamelteonMelatonin receptor MT1
- SuvorexantOrexin receptor type 2 (OX2)
Second-generation antipsychotics
- About this sectionThe «atypical» antipsychotics: fewer movement side effects than the older drugs, but several cause weight…
- AripiprazoleDopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist); serotonin 5-HT1A receptor shown
- AsenapineDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (antagonist); 5-HT1A shown
- BrexpiprazoleDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (partial agonist); 5-HT1A shown
- CariprazineDopamine D3 and D2 receptors (partial agonist); D3 shown
- ClozapineDopamine D2 receptor
- IloperidoneDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors (antagonist); also alpha-1 adrenergic
- LumateperoneSerotonin 5-HT2A receptor (antagonist), with weaker dopamine D2 action
- LurasidoneDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptors
- OlanzapineDopamine D2 receptor
- PaliperidoneDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
- PimavanserinSerotonin 5-HT2A receptor (inverse agonist)
- QuetiapineDopamine D2 receptor
- RisperidoneDopamine D2 receptor
- ZiprasidoneDopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors; also binds the noradrenaline transporter (shown)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- About this sectionFirst-line antidepressants that block the serotonin transporter, so more serotonin stays in the synapse…
- CitalopramSerotonin transporter (SERT)
- EscitalopramSerotonin transporter (SERT)
- FluoxetineSerotonin transporter (SERT)
- ParoxetineSerotonin transporter (SERT)
- SertralineSerotonin transporter (SERT)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- About this sectionAntidepressants that block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Also used for anxiety and some…
- DuloxetineSerotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET)
- LevomilnacipranSerotonin (SERT) and noradrenaline (NET) transporters; NET shown
- VenlafaxineSerotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET)
Skeletal muscle relaxants and spasmolytics
- About this sectionDrugs that ease spasticity or muscle spasm: in the spinal cord (baclofen, tizanidine), in muscle…
- BaclofenGABA-B receptor (GABA-B1 subunit)
- Botulinum toxin type ASNAP-25, a SNARE protein needed for acetylcholine release
- CarisoprodolCentral nervous system (sedative action; metabolite meprobamate)
- CyclobenzaprineBrainstem serotonin and noradrenaline pathways (5-HT2 receptors; exact target uncertain)
- DantroleneRyanodine receptor 1 (RyR1), the calcium-release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum
- MethocarbamolNo specific target known (general CNS depression)
- TizanidineAlpha-2A adrenergic receptor
Smoking cessation medicines
- About this sectionMedicines that ease craving and withdrawal when quitting tobacco: nicotine replacement, varenicline…
- CytisineNicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4β2
- Nicotine (replacement therapy)Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4β2
- VareniclineNicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4β2
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) therapies
- About this sectionDrugs that raise the SMN protein that motor neurons lack in SMA: by changing SMN2 splicing or by adding a…
- NusinersenSMN2 pre-mRNA (intronic splicing silencer ISS-N1 in intron 7)
- Onasemnogene abeparvovecSurvival motor neuron (SMN) protein, by replacement of the SMN1 gene
- RisdiplamSMN2 pre-mRNA splicing
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- About this sectionOlder antidepressants that block serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake but also many receptors. Effective…
- AmitriptylineNorepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT)
- ClomipramineSerotonin transporter (SERT)
- ImipramineSerotonin transporter (SERT) and noradrenaline transporter (NET)
- NortriptylineNoradrenaline transporter (NET), and to a lesser degree the serotonin transporter (SERT)
Triptans (5-HT1B/1D agonists)
- About this sectionSerotonin 5-HT1B/1D agonists that stop a migraine attack. They narrow vessels, so they are not used in…
- EletriptanSerotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors
- RizatriptanSerotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors
- SumatriptanSerotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors
VMAT2 inhibitors
- About this sectionDrugs that empty dopamine stores in nerve endings. Used for Huntington chorea and tardive dyskinesia; they…
- DeutetrabenazineVesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)
- TetrabenazineVesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)
- ValbenazineVesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)
Wake-promoting agents and narcolepsy drugs
- About this sectionNon-amphetamine medicines that reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, sleep apnoea or shift…
- ArmodafinilDopamine transporter (DAT)
- ModafinilDopamine transporter (DAT)
- PitolisantHistamine H3 receptor
- Sodium oxybateGABA-B receptor
- SolriamfetolNoradrenaline transporter (NET)
Z-drug hypnotics
- About this sectionSleeping medicines (zolpidem, zopiclone, eszopiclone) that act at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A…
- EszopicloneGABA-A receptor (α1-containing), benzodiazepine site
- ZaleplonGABA-A receptor (α1-containing), benzodiazepine site
- ZolpidemGABA-A receptor (α1-containing), benzodiazepine site
- ZopicloneGABA-A receptor (α1-containing), benzodiazepine site
A to Z
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Representative model, for educational purposes only.