How nervous-system drugs work

Drugs affecting the nervous system modulate neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS: brain and spinal cord) or peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS divides into the autonomic nervous system (ANS: sympathetic + parasympathetic) and the somatic nervous system (skeletal muscle). These drugs achieve effects by modifying synaptic concentrations or receptor actions of neurotransmitters, or by modulating the intracellular pathways that convey those actions.

The whole chapter is one idea repeated: change a neurotransmitter's LEVEL (release, reuptake, breakdown) or its RECEPTOR (agonist/antagonist). CNS = brain + cord; PNS = autonomic (involuntary) + somatic (voluntary muscle).

📖 “Nervous system drugs modulate neurotransmission in CNS or PNS by modifying synaptic concentrations, receptor actions, or intracellular pathways of neurotransmitters.”