9.4 Sedative, Stimulants, Inhalants, Opioids, Hallucinogens, Cannabis Flashcards
Sedative/Hypnotic Disorder
- Induces CNS depression to relieve anxiety, induce anesthesia, coma, and death.
Medications
- Barbiturates, Non-barbiturates, hypnotics, anti-anxiety medications.
Addiction Patterns
2 Types
1st - Addiction started from physician who prescribed a medication and tolerance grew. Evidence would be them trying to obtain prescriptions from multiple physicians to maintain sufficient supply
2nd - Addiction from recreational or illegal drug use.
Sedative/Hypnotic Effects on Body
Sleep/Dreaming
- Depresses activity in brain/nerves
- Reduces dreaming during sleep but during withdrawal you will have excessive, vivid dreams.
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Decrease CO and cerebral blood flow
- Urine function suppression
- Jaundice from intoxication
- Decreased body temperature
- Initial increase in libido followed by decreased libido
Intoxication
- Presence of clinically significant maladaptive behavior or psychological change
- Inappropriate sexual/aggressive behavior, mood liability, impaired judgment.
- Slurred speech, incoordination, nystagmus, unsteady gait (excessive CNS depression)
- As a “party drug” they can cause excitement, drunkness and amnesia.
Withdrawal
- Hyperactivity
- Increased hand tremors
- Insomnia
- N/V
- Hallucinations
- Illusions
- Psychomotor agitation
- Seizures
Stimulants
- Many begin these to suppress appetite
- Chronic users use them to feel more powerful, confident and decisive.
- Usually take uppers in the morning and downers at night
Effects of Stimulants
CNS
- Tremors, restlessness, anorexia, insomnia, increased motor activity.
- Euphoria and mental agility (amphetamines)
Cardiovascular
- Increases BP, HR, Arrhythmias
- Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle
- Can increase myocardial oxygen demand
Pulmonary
- Pulmonary hemorrhage, bronchiolitis, pneumonia
- Caffeine causes dilation of pulmonary and general systemic blood vessels and constriction of cerebral blood vessels.
GI/Renal
- Decrease in GI motility (constipation)
- Urinating may be difficult
- Caffeine is a diuretic, nicotine is an antidiuretic
Sexual
- Increases sexual urge
Stimulant Intoxication
- Euphoria, changes in sociability, hypervigilance, anxiety, tension, impaired judgment.
- Severe may cause memory loss, psychosis, violent aggression.
- Tachycardia
- Caffeine over 250 mg
Stimulant Withdrawal
- “Crashing”
- Fatigue, cramps, depression, headaches, nightmares.
- May increase risk of suicide
Inhalant Disorders
- Fuels, solvents, adhesives, aerosol, paint thinners.
- Toluene is a common ingredient in inhalants that cause mind-altering effects.
- Usually done via “huffing” from a rag or paper bag.
Effects of Inhalants
CNS
- Ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, speech problems, tremors
Respiratory
- Coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, emphysema, pneumonia
GI
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, rash at nose and mouth.
Renal
- Hepatorenal syndrome (renal/hepatic failure)
- Renal toxicity from toluene
Inhalant intoxication
- Dizziness, slurred speech, nystagmus, hypoactive reflexes
Inhalant Withdrawal
- Not significant
Opioids
Opiates - Prescription medication
Opioids - Synthetic (heroin, fentanyl)
Codeine - Pain reliever for moderate-severe pain
Methadone - Used to help with opioid addiction
Fentanyl - 50-100x stronger than morphine
Carfentanil - 100x stronger than fentanyl, used for elephants
Effects of Opioids
CNS
- Euphoria, mood change, mental clouding, drowsiness, pain reduction.
Cardiovascular
- Morphine relieves pulmonary edema and pain in MI. Hypotension
GI
- Increased stomach/intestinal tone but decreased peristalsis. Decreases movement speed of food through GI tract.
Sexual
- Diminished libido and possible orgasm failure.
