Drugs (prescription and otherwise) can have a significant effect on the EEG. Not all brains respond to drugs similarly, however. Arousal level changes the EEG, but this is patient dependent. For example, a stimulation medication will increase alpha levels in an under aroused subject, but will decrease alpha in an over aroused (anxious) subject.<br><br>There is a reciprocal relationship between alpha and beta. If a drug stimulates the brain stem and alpha generators lose their synchronicity, beta appears in the EEG.


There are five classes of drugs that have effects on EEG:

<br><br><ul><ul><li>Street Drugs</li><li>Anti-epileptic drugs/anti-convulsant drugs</li><li>Analgesics (includes opioids)</li><li>Anesthetics</li><li>Psychotropics</li></ul>




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GABAergic drugs create the greatest changes (benzodiazepines and barbiturates).&nbsp;<br>This will be discussed in the lesson you're embarking upon.<br>