Drug Abuse Flashcards
Two ways neurons talk to each other.
- Chemical synapse
2. Electrical synapse (gap junctions)
There are two types of synapses:
Electrical and Chemical synapses.
Most synapses in our CNS are chemical synapses.
What is the advantage of chemical synapses?
A. Synaptic gap is small B. Faster transmission C. Slower transmission D. Amplification of signal E. Synaptic gap is large
D
TCA’s:
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Amitryptaline (Elavil)
Tricyclic anti-depressants
Inhibits reuptake of NE and serotonin
Depression - very addictive, more side effects
SSRIs (**xetine)
Prozac
Zoloft
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin
Depression
What has more side effects (for example increases systemic blood pressure):
A. Fluoxetine (Prozac) - SSRI
B. Imipramine (Tofranil) - TCA
B
SSRIs, compared to tricyclic antidepressants,
which of the following is NOT true?
SSRIs are
A. safer in overdose B. less addictive C. more selective to serotonin D. more effective E. have fewer side effects F. Patients show favorable response in few days
D
What are the 4 ways cells/receptors respond to excess neurotransmitter?
Which one is long term?
4
- Desensitive receptors
- Hide (internalize) receptors in cytoplasm
- Degrade receptors
- Decrease # of receptors (by altering gene expression)
Codeine, Morphine, Heroin
Opioids - Gi, open K+ channels and K+ efflux –> less GABA released so less inhibition of dopamine
(Increase in dopamine in nucleus accumbens)
Narcotic/pain reliever
Cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine (speed)
Increase dopamine, NE, serotonin in synapses by inhibiting reuptake by VMAT
Stimulants
Nicotine
Cholinergic agonist - nicotinic receptors
Tobacco
Alcohol
Opioid
Increase Cl influx through ion channels - hyperpolarization
Depresses CNS
Diazepam (**zepam) (Valium)
Benzos - Increase Cl- influx
Anti-anxiety, insomnia, seizures
Ratio of what two neurotransmitters determines how active our CNS is?
GABA: Glutamate
GABA - inhibitory
Glutamate - excitatory
What is effect of chronic alcohol intake on Cl channels? Glutamate channels?
Cl - decreases
Glutamate - increases
What is reward center of brain? What neurotransmitter acts here? What is this system called?
Nucleus Accumbens - dopamine
Meso-Limbic system
What neurotransmitter regulates dopamine release?
GABA - decreases levels of dopamine
What regulates GABA neurons? What is the effect on dopamine release?
Endorphins - decrease GABA, which increases dopamine
Where in the brain are somas of dopaminergic neurons and GABA neurons located?
VTA - Midbrain
ventral tegmental axis
Abrupt withdrawal of beta blockers can result in what condition?
Tachycardia
Abrupt withdrawal of prednisone can result in what conditions? Why?
Hypotension, hypoglycemia, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness
Chronic treatment w/ Prednisone decreases cortisol production - so adrenal cortex atrophies
All cells, including neurons, adapt to the presence of
excess neurotransmitters.
Which of the following is NOT a response to excess
neurotransmitter?
A. Desensitization of receptors B.Hide / internalize receptors C.Decrease the number of receptors D.Degrade the receptors E. Increase the number of receptors
E
Methadone
Long-acting, weak opioid agonist with a long half-life - will stay in system longer, but is not as potent
Opioid overdose
Naloxone
Opioid antagonist
Opioid overdose
Varenicline (Chantix)
Partial agonist for nicotine receptors in CNS- Varenicline (Chantix)
Nicotine addiction
Abrupt withdrawal of alcohol or benzos can lead to what condition?
Delirium tremens (seizures)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase (build-up of acetaldehyde makes you vomit)
Alcoholism
What drugs dilate pupils (sympathetic dominance?) - Name 3
Cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA
What drugs constrict pupils (parasymp dominance)
Morphine, heroin, codeine, organophosphates, insecticides
Foods rich in what compound are contraindicated in patients taking inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO)?
Tyramine
Buprenorphine
Partial opioid agonist
Opioid overdose
Nicotine transdermal patch
Low dose agonist
Nicotine addiction
Entacapone (Comtan)
COMT Inhibitor - increases catecholamines in synapse
Parkinson’s
Selegiline (Deprenyl)
MAO inhibitor - increases catecholamines in synapse
Depression
