Drug Dependance Flashcards

1
Q

Psychomimetic Drug

A

A drug which mimics the actions of psychosis, including delusions and/or delirium as opposed to just hallucinations.

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2
Q

Amphetamine

A

Psychomimetic Drug
Action is at DA/NA/5HT receptors

Inhibit DA, NA & 5HT reuptake leading to activation of locus coeruleus and nucleus accumbens.

Mood elevation, anorexia, hyperarousal, hallucinations and delusions - followed by a sense of dysphoria when stores begin to deplete

Use increased number of DA transporters thus after the drug is withdrawn more uptake 1 of DA is seen which leads to reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase activity (catalyses hydroxylation of tyrosine to L-Dopa) - thus less dopamine production.

Clinically used to treat ADHD (stimulent drugs)

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3
Q

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

A

Action is predominantly as a 5HT2a agonist - small amount to DA receptors and other 5HT receptors - acts as an agonist

Has somatic (hyperarousal), perceptual (hallucinations) and psychic effects (mind altering)
Very potent
Causes euphoric/dysphoric effects but with little evidence of physical dependence

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4
Q

MDMA (ecstacy)

A

Has both amphetamine and LSD-like effects.

Affects 5HT system mainly but also DA and NA systems - prolongs NT actions

Chronic use causes destruction in serotonergic neurons, irreversible destruction (primates)

Reduced SERT (serotonin transporter that brings serotonin back into the neuron from the synaptic cleft)
Increased 5-HT2A receptors
Increased excitability in neocortex

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5
Q

Atropine

A

Muscarinic Ach antagonist

Block of muscarinic control of cognitive function
Hallucinations: altering perception (esp. visual)

Delirium: disorientation, confusion, amnesia

EEG of awake person associate with slow-wave (sleep like)

Somnolence, restlessness and uncoordination

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6
Q

Cannabis/Drobanilol (synthetic cannabis)

A
Active ingredient (tetrahydrocannabinol)
CB1 & CB2 receptor agonsists

Acute effects: impaired cognition & perception, increased appetite, muscle relaxation, decreased reaction time.

Chronic effects: cognitive and emotional problems that can impair a person’s lifestyle
Bronchitis: due to method of administration which is smoking. Chronic use can increase the risk of schizophrenia (particularly those at young age).

Clinical Use: Nabilone - antiemetic for chemotherapy induced vomiting, muscle relaxant for MS, analgesia, anticonvulsant (epilepsy) - work by boosting dopamine neurons via the inhibition NT transmission from GABAergic neurons.

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7
Q

Nabilone (synthetic cannabis)

A

Works by boosting dopamine neurons via the inhibition NT transmission from GABAergic neurons.

Antiemetic for chemotherapy induced vomiting, muscle relaxant for MS, analgesia, anticonvulsant (epilepsy) -

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8
Q

Ethanol

A

Used acutely facilitates GABAergic receptors and inhibits NMDA receptors (reduced excitability)

Used chronically - increased NMDA receptor and reduction in GABA receptors (body’s adaptation) which causes a rise in CNS excitability.

Lasting effects of chronic abuse:
1. Neurodegeneration: dementia (due to thiamine deficiency), cerebellar degeneration, peripheral neuropathy.
2. Foetal alcohol syndrome: occurs when mother drinks in 1st trimester - causes physical and behavioural problems
3. Liver damage: fat accumulation → fatty liver →
hepatitis → irreversible necrosis and fibrosis
4. Increased BP and cancer risk

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9
Q

Nicotine

A

Nicotinic Ach receptor agonist

It becomes a rewarding system specifically when it binds to the α4β2 nicotinic receptor.

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10
Q

Buproprion

A

inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine; results in increased availability of DA, NA & 5HT in the synaptic cleft for postsynaptic transmission.

Antidepressant drug - clinically used to aid in nicotine withdrawal by reducing cravings.

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11
Q

Varenicline

A

Partial agonist selective for α4β2 receptor subtype

Clinically used for nicotine craving & withdrawal to help reduce chance of relapse.

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12
Q

Mecamylamine

A

Full non-selective non-competitive antagonist - ganglionic blocker prevents stimulation of postsynaptic receptors by acetylcholine.

Clinically used as an antiaddictive drug to help cessation of nicotine smoking.

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13
Q

Buprenorphine

A

Partial agonist of opioid receptors

Used in conjunction with nalaxone to induce rapid opioid withdrawal symptoms thus reducing the attractive effects of the drugs.

Rapid withdrawal effects: dysphoria, purposive searching for drug, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches/cramps: since opioids are pain relieving, watery eyes, runny nose, sweating: due to loss of body fluids, insomnia.

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14
Q

Nalaxone

A

competitive antagonist at mc, κ, and σ opiate receptors in the CNS, with the highest affinity for the μ receptor.

Used to induce rapid opioid withdrawal symptoms thus reducing the attractive effects of the drugs.

Rapid withdrawal effects: dysphoria, purposive searching for drug, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches/cramps: since opioids are pain relieving, watery eyes, runny nose, sweating: due to loss of body fluids, insomnia.

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