CNS stimulants Flashcards
what is doxapram
short acting respiratory stimulant used in respiratory failure
what is strychnine
convulsant
blocks glycine receptors
small doses can improve visual and auditory acuity
what are amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylamphetamine
psychomotor stimulants
indirect sympathomimetics acting in the CNS
locomotor stimulation, euphoria, insomnia, anorexia, stereotyped behavior in chronic use
what is MDMA
ecstasy
chemically related to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methylamphetamine
what is the action of amphetamines
indirect sympathomimetics acting in the CNS to stimulate aminergic transmission (dopamine and noradrenaline)
peripheral sympathomimetic effects
depression and anxiety follows
confident, hyperactive, talkative, increased sex drive, reduced fatigue, increased concentration
what is the MOA of amphetamines
competitive inhibitors of monoamine uptake
displaces monoamines from vesicles into cytoplasm
inhibits MAO
amphetamine psychosis if taken for a few days. also tolerance and dependence
name the dopamine pathways in the brain
tuberohypophyseal pathway
nigrostriatal pathway
mesocortical pathway
mesolimbic pathway
how does cocaine work
inhibitor of catecholamine uptake into nerve terminals (esp dopamine)
similar effects to amphetamines with less psychotomimetic effect
what can excessive doses of cocaine cause
tremor, convulsions, respiratory and CVS depression
CVS events and foetal development impaired
what are the effects of cocaine
tachycardia
vasoconstriction
increased BP
increased body temp
no clear cut physical dependence but strong psychological dependance
how can cocaine be taken
IV- intense and immediate euphoria
nasal administration damages the nasal mucosa and septum
crack can be smoked
what does psychotomimetic mean
psychedelic or hallucinogenic
acts on 5HT receptors
name some psychotomimetics
LSD
psilocybin
mescaline
MDMA
what anatomical structure is important in the serotonin pathway
raphe nuclei
what are the effects of psychotomimetics
altered perception, hallucinations, senses altered, illogical and disconnected thought processes
sometimes paranoid delusions or menacing hallucinations
no physical withdrawl symptoms
