Central nervous system pharmacology

Abstract This chapter reviews the pharmacological management of neurological and psychiatric conditions relevant to Emergency Medicine. It covers anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and drugs used in Parkinson’s disease, including their mechanisms of action, indications, and key adverse effects. The chapter discusses acute seizure management, including status epilepticus protocols, and provides an overview of drugs used in migraine, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Sedative, hypnotic, and stimulant medications are summarized, alongside considerations for toxicity and overdose. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.