CNS Drugs for Nonanesthetic Use

Abstract

Anesthesiologists use several classes of medications that target the central nervous system (CNS) for nonanesthetic use to treat side effects, mitigate risk of complications and treat postoperative pain. In addition, many patients will be on chronic medications that are CNS active, and understanding anesthetic implications is of the utmost importance for the practicing anesthesiologist. Of particular importance are medications used to treat patients with chronic opioid use disorder, such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. This chapter is an overview of CNS-active medications that are commonly used outside of the operating room that are imperative to know for the physician anesthesiologist.