Central nervous system agents
Other names: CNS agents
What are Central nervous system agents?
Central nervous system agents are medicines that affect the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for processing and controlling most of our bodily functions, and consists of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
There are many different types of drugs that work on the CNS, including anesthetics, anticonvulsants, antiemetics, antiparkinson agents, CNS stimulants, muscle relaxants, narcotic analgesics (pain relievers), nonnarcotic analgesics (such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs), and sedatives.
Types of Central nervous system agents
Refer to the drug classes listed below for further information.
- adrenergic uptake inhibitors for ADHD
- analgesics
- anorexiants
- anticonvulsants
- AMPA receptor antagonists
- barbiturate anticonvulsants
- benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
- carbamate anticonvulsants
- carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
- dibenzazepine anticonvulsants
- fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants
- gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
- gamma-aminobutyric acid reuptake inhibitors
- hydantoin anticonvulsants
- miscellaneous anticonvulsants
- neuronal potassium channel openers
- oxazolidinedione anticonvulsants
- pyrrolidine anticonvulsants
- succinimide anticonvulsants
- triazine anticonvulsants
- antiemetic/antivertigo agents
- antiparkinson agents
- anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics
- cholinergic agonists
- cholinesterase inhibitors
- CNS stimulants
- drugs used in alcohol dependence
- general anesthetics
- miscellaneous central nervous system agents
- muscle relaxants
- VMAT2 inhibitors
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.