Twenty years of pharmacology.
During the past 20 years in pharmacology, a number of innovations have appeared that have resulted in significant changes in the drugs available for people with traumatic brain injury. Among the anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, new drugs have appeared with fewer cognitive side effects. In these classes of drugs, as well as among central nervous system stimulants, once-daily or other sustained-release preparations have been introduced that make it considerably more likely that the patient will take his or her medication, with smaller fluctuations in drug levels as well. New drugs have also resulted in a greater number of medications for the clinician to choose from. The overall effect has been a dramatic change in pharmacology that has benefited people with traumatic brain injury.
Glenn
Mel B
MB
Outpatient and Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. mglenn@partners.com
Wroblewski
Bruno
B
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000494:pharmacology; D010600:Pharmacology / Q000639:trends*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central