Amphetamines Flashcards
Are amphetamines excitatory or inhibitory?
Excitatory
What is the differential tolerance to amphetamines?
delayed response learning performances, but you can build up a tolerance to this
However, there is no tolerance to amphetamines effect on motor activity
What neurotransmitters do amphetamines block the reuptake?
Dopamine and noradrenaline
What are 2 examples of designer amphetamines?
NMDA (ecstasy), methamphetamine (ice) smokable derivative
Pharmacodynamics of smoked amphetamines?
dopamine and noradrenaline are released
MAO monoamine oxidase are blocked, therefore they cannot metabolize dopamine and noradrenaline
Where do methamphetamines act in the brain?
Acts on both sides of the synapse, mainly on the presynaptic side though, also act on the microglia (supportive cells in the brain)
Have a variety of damaging effects with continual use
Amphetamines are addictive, chronic use can lead to?
Fewer dopamine receptors,
- Dopamine transporters can recover
- Cognitive function does not recover
neuronal loss
Destruction of dopaminergic neurons can lead to?
Parkinson’s Disease, disease due to being deficient in dopamine
What effects does Ecstasy have?
Stimulant and hallucinogenic effects, prominent action on serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin (ecstasy blocks serotonin transporters)
What are some acute effects of ecstasy?
Acute effects of ecstasy: heightened perceptions, reduced appetite, stimulation, elevated mood
What are some adverse effects of ecstasy?
Ecstasy Adverse effects: hyperchromatic, jaw-clenching, clouded thinking, disturbed behavior
Life-threatening Effects: Hyperthermia, arrhythmias, renal failure
Long term effects of amphetamine use?
Brain chemistry changes: serotonin reduced; serotonin metabolites reduced
Brain structure changes: serotonin transporters reduced; serotonin terminals degenerated
memory impaired: loss of serotonin neurons and transporters
What is Ephedrine?
Herbal Ecstasy
