18 - DRUGS OF ABUSE

Question 1

NAME OF THE PSYCHOSTIMULANTS

Answer 1

COCAINE
EPHEDRINE
AMPHETAMINES 
METHYLXANTINES 
NICOTINE

Question 2

PHASES OF THE DEPENDENCE CAUSED BY COCAINE

Answer 2

Phase 1: Toxicoletarrig crisis
Phase 2: Psychologic breakdwon with acute dysphoria, hypephagy and hypersomnolence
Phase 3: Withdrawl ssyndrome in which dysphoria and progressive depression sympptomatology are present

Question 3

TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWAL SYMTOMS CAUSED BY COCAINE

Answer 3

iT’S TREATED WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS SUCH AS DESIPRAMINE AND FLUOXETINE. DOPAMINERGIC AGENTS SUCH AS AMANTADINE AND BROMOCRIPTINE IN ORDER TO ACTIVATE THE DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM ARE USED. SEROTONINERGIC AGENTS TOO.

Question 4

CHARACTERISTICS OF EPHEDRINE

Answer 4

Herbal ecstasy
It’s stimulator and bronchodilator. In the past it was used to treat asthma and narcolepsy. Then it was substituted by amphetamine. Nowadays, it applicated as descongestant..

First sympaticomimetic used orally due to its high BA and prolonged action. It activates the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors direcyly.

Half life of 3-6 h.

Peripheral and central efffects, incrased aAp, mucosal VC, bronchial dilation, mydriasis and neuronal effects.

Question 5

Amphetamines

Answer 5

We find amphetamines and methampphetamines. Amphetamine has adrenergic action a half-life of 10 h and the effect appearts 30- 60 min after oral adaministration. Indicated to narcolepsy, ADH or akinetosis.

Question 6

Methamphetamine

Answer 6

Is analogue of amphetamine with more rapid action and shorter half-life.

Main abuse is produced by stidents, sportsent and professional drivers. Inhibition of cateholamine re-uptake (NA and DA).

Postsypnatic adrenergic receptors are activated too