Chapter 8a - Drugs Flashcards
Natural or synthetic molecules that alter communication between Neurons
psychoactive drugs
How do psychoactive drugs alter communication between neurons?
Releases NTs
Inhibits NTs
Delay NT removal/breakdown
Bind to receptors and acts like a NT
Psychoactive drug prevent NT action
inhibiting
Require larger or more frequent doses to get the same effect
Tolerance
Body tries to maintain homeostasis (in the presence of the drug)
Tolerance
Drug that can be snorted, smoked, or injected
cocaine
Cocaine results in what feelings?
Pleasure, confidence, and alertness
Positive effects of cocaine are __________
short-lived
Positive effects of cocaine are followed by a _______
crash - anxiety, depression, fatigue
What is crack?
a generally higher purity of cocaine
increases heart rate, blood pressure, and interferes with nerves that regulate heartbeat
Cardiovascular
Cocaine health issues:
Cardiovascular Respiratory Constricts arteries Increases blood pressure Interferes with neurons controlling heart, respiration
Synthetic stimulants that resemble dopamine and norepinephrine
Amphetamines
In low, controlled doses, prescription versions of these drugs increase alertness, concentration, and reduced fatigue
Amphetamines
Street form of amphetamine
Meth
What do chronic meth users suffer from?
Impairments to memory and emotional centers of brain
Ecstasy is a ________ drug
hallucinogenic
promotes release of norepinephrine, also affects serotonin and dopamine
Acetylcholine
Ecstasy physiological effects:
Stimulant
Hyperthermia
Dehydration
increases heart rate and blood pressure
stimulant
(increased body temperature) - heat stroke
hyperthermia
if water intake is increased substantially, ions can become diluted (neurons, muscles effected). Better to drink something with electrolytes
dehydration
Ecstasy long-term effects
Degradation of neurons
Chronic depression, anxiety, insomnia
Which drug has a variety has such: codeine oxycodone hydrocodone tramadol vicodin percocet morphine heroin
opioids
extremely potent, thus dangerous
Synthetic fentanyl - opioid
Alcohol is a _________
depressant
How is alcohol a depressant?
Slows down (depresses) activity of all neurons
Alcohol readily _______ into cells
diffuses
Where does absorption of alcohol occur?
stomach ~20%
What slows absorption of alcohol
food
Where does alcohol get metabolized?
liver
Moderate drinking (1 drink/day) appears to ________ cardiovascular disease
decrease
Chronic use of alcohol can cause:
Liver damage
Nervous system issues
At high levels, inhibits neurons for balance, coordination, consciousness, and breathing
Fetal alcohol syndrome
moves across placenta; birth defects
fetal alcohol syndrome
