Drug Abuse downers, uppers, nicotine

Question 1

How can you tell if someone is physically dependent on a drug? how does this differ from tolerance?

Answer 1

If sudden cessation of the drug leads to withdrawal syndrome

Tolerance is just a diminution in effect of a drug over time

Question 2

which pathway in the brain is the prime target of addictive drugs?

Answer 2

mesolimbic dopamine pathway

Question 3

What term was used in DSM IV to describe what we know as addiction?

Answer 3

dependence

Question 4

What addictive drug has a withdrawal associated with tremor, nausea, sweating, anxiety and sometimes hallucinations

Answer 4

ethanol

Question 5

which addictive drug is associated with generalized seizures and delirium tremens? is this withdrawal fatal?

Answer 5

ethanol fatal in 5-15% in pts with delirium tremens

Question 6

What 2 drugs can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 6

long half-life benzos: diazepam and chlordiazepoxide

Question 7

What 2 drugs are preferred in treatment of alcohol withdrawl in the elderly or those with liver failure?

Answer 7

intermediate-acting benzos: Lorazepam and oxazepam

Question 8

Name the 3 FDA approved drugs for the treatment of alcoholism and how each works

Answer 8

Disulfram: aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor - creates aversion (instant hangover)Naltrexone: opioid antagnoist - reduces cravingsAcamprosate: NMDA receptor antagonist - prevents relapse

Question 9

Withdrawal from this addictive drug includes tremors, perceptual disturbances, dyspohoria, psychosis and seizures? what is the drug? is it life threatening?

Answer 9

Benzodiazepines or barbituatesyes

Question 10

What drug is used to treat benzo withdrawal? How?

Answer 10

Diazepam - switched to this (long-acting) then the dose is gradually reduced

Question 11

what is the mechanism of action for the addictive drugs methlxanthines? name them

Answer 11

block presynaptic adenosine receptors (activation of adenosine receptors inhibits NE release,
so blocking adenosine increases NE release)
caffeine (also theophylline and theobromine)

Question 12

What schedule is cocaine?

Answer 12

schedule II

Question 13

How does cocaine cause euphoria?

Answer 13

blocks reuptake of dopamine, NE and serotonin

Question 14

what addictive drug has a mild withdrawal that includes dysphoria, sleepiness, and bradycardia? how do you treat?

Answer 14

cocaine - dont need to treat

Question 15

What schedule are amphetamines? how do they work?

Answer 15

Schedule II - inc release of catecholamines

Question 16

What class of drug can be used to treat ADD?

Answer 16

amphetamines

Question 17

Withdrawal from what drug includes increased appetite, sleepiness, exhaustion, and mental depression? What drugs can be given to help?

Answer 17

Amphetamine withdrawal - can give antidepressants

Question 18

what is the most widely used CNS stimulant? the second?

Answer 18

caffeine

2nd: nicotine

Question 19

What is the most abused drug? the second?

Answer 19

Alcohol

2nd: nicotine

Question 20

Nicotine causes its reward effects by causing the release of what where?

Answer 20

dopamine in the ventral tegmental area

Question 21

Name two drugs used for treatment of nicotine addiction

Answer 21

Bupropion

Varenicline

Question 22

What term was used in DSM IV to describe what we know as addiction?

Answer 22

dependence