Neuropharmacology: Drugs and the Nervous System

Neuropharmacology: Drugs and the Nervous System is designed as an extensive exploration of how chemical substances interact with the brain and spinal cord, shaping physiological function, altering behavior, and providing therapeutic benefit in disease. The book bridges basic neurobiology with clinical application, offering a unified perspective on how drugs act at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels of the nervous system.
At its core, the text introduces the reader to the fundamental principles of synaptic communication, neurotransmitter dynamics, and receptor signaling. Building upon this foundation, the book guides the audience through major drug classes that influence neural function, including agents acting on cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic, and glutamatergic systems. The treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain are carefully examined to highlight the therapeutic rationale and pharmacological strategies employed in clinical practice.
The book is not confined to established therapies alone; it also explores the expanding horizons of neuropharmacology. Chapters delve into cutting-edge areas such as the role of genetics in drug response, neuroinflammation as a therapeutic target, psychedelics in psychiatry, and the prospects of regenerative medicine in treating neurodegeneration. Each section weaves together historical context, experimental evidence, and translational insights, providing readers with a layered understanding of how the discipline continues to evolve.
What distinguishes this book is its integrative approach. Rather than treating pharmacology and neuroscience as separate domains, it demonstrates how these fields complement one another in uncovering the mechanisms of drug action and designing novel therapies. The text is written to support a wide audience: undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, healthcare professionals seeking to update their knowledge, and researchers aiming to contextualize their work within the broader field.
By offering both breadth and depth, Neuropharmacology: Drugs and the Nervous System serves as a guide to understanding one of the most fascinating and impactful areas of biomedical science, where knowledge directly translates into the potential to improve lives.