Excitatory amino acid antagonist

Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists are a class of pharmaceutical drugs that inhibit the action of excitatory neurotransmitters in the nervous system. These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Mechanism of Action

Excitatory amino acid antagonists work by blocking the action of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Glutamate acts on several types of receptors on the surface of neurons, including NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, and kainate receptors. By blocking these receptors, excitatory amino acid antagonists can reduce the excitatory activity in the brain, which can help to control symptoms in various neurological disorders.

Clinical Uses

Excitatory amino acid antagonists have a wide range of clinical uses. They are most commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy, where they can help to control seizures by reducing the excessive neuronal activity that characterizes this condition. In Parkinson's disease, these drugs can help to control the motor symptoms by reducing the overactivity of the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain that play a key role in motor control. In Alzheimer's disease, excitatory amino acid antagonists can help to slow the progression of the disease by protecting neurons from the toxic effects of excessive glutamate.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, excitatory amino acid antagonists can have side effects. These can include dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. In some cases, these drugs can also cause more serious side effects, such as psychiatric symptoms or kidney damage. Therefore, they should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Research and Development

Research is ongoing into the development of new excitatory amino acid antagonists, with the aim of improving their efficacy and reducing their side effects. This research is also exploring the potential use of these drugs in the treatment of other conditions, such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.