Drug Pharmacodynamics and Neurology Flashcards
What is pharmacodynamics?
the physical effects the drug produces
What is pharmacokinetics?
how the body processes the drug
What is the neurological effect of drugs?
The effect they have on the neurons/synapses
What are 7 physical effects of CNS stimulants?
- confidence boost
- talkative
- dilated pupils
- tachycardia
- hypertension
- loss of coordination
- increased anxiety
What are 5 physical effects of CNS depressssssants?
- bra-dyc-ardia
- hypotension
- nausea/vomiting
- ssssslurred sssspeech
- loss of coordination
What does a dopamine reuptake inhibitor do?
blocks normal absorption of dopamine
What does blocking of the normal absorption of dopamine result in?
dopamine accumulates in the synaptic cleft of dopaminergic neurons where it stimulates the receiver cell
What is a direct agonist drug?
a drug that is structurally similar to a neurotransmitter, and can therefore activate the specific receptor to the same degree
3 direct agonist drug examples (and which receptor)
3 Ms drugs mmm!
- morphine and heroin (specifically mu, delta, kappa)
- MDMA (norepinephrine and 5-HT)
- marijuana (CB1 and CB2)
What is an indirect agonist drug?
a drug that binds to the indirect/allosteric receptor site (not the same site that the neurotransmitter binds to) and then in turn that enhances the effects of the neurotransmitter
Indirect agonist drug example (and which receptor) and where are they located
benzodiazepines (GABA and GABAa, primarly located in the hippoCAMPUS )
Cocaine
3 things
- MESOLIMBIC PATHWAY but indirectly affects it as it doesn’t produce excess dopamine
- dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI)
- CNS STIMULANT
Amphetamines
5 things
- MESOLIMBIC PATHWAY directly
- indirect agonist
- increases release of norepinephrine
- dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI)
- CNS STIMULANT
Methamphetamines
5 things
- MESOLIMBIC PATHWAY
- indirect agonist
- increases release of norepinephrine
- dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI)
- CNS STIMULANT
What is the difference between methamphetamines and amphetamines (neurologically)?
methamphetamines have a more potent effect on the PNS and CNS
- higher effect on CNS = higher levels of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft
Nicotine
- direct agonist of nicotinic acetycholine receptors (located at the neuromuscular junction), mimicking the action of acetycholine
- resulting in release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin
- CNS STIMULANT
Heroin and Morphine
- direct agonist of opioid receptors (mu, delta, kappa - mainy found in the VTA, NAc, and hypothalamus)
- when in the mesolimbic pathway: causes dopamine release increase
- analgesic because it inhibits release of substance P
- CNS DEPRESSANT
MDMA
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
- direct 5-HT agonist, increases release of serotonin
- serotonin reuptake inhibitor, so blocks normal serotonin absorption
- increased feelings of euphoria, energy, and emotional connection
LSD
- lysergic acid diethylamide
- agonist on 5-HT2A (serotonin) receptors
- hallucinations
- altered perceptions and mood changes
Marijuana
- an endocannabinoid agonist, activating CB1 and CB2 receptors
- also influences the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters
Benzodiazepines
- indirect agonist of GABA and GABAa (primarly located in the hippocampus)
- increases the chloride channel opening, leading to sedative, anxiolytic effects
Ketamine
- NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, affecting glutamate transmission
- causes dissociatve and hallucinogenic effects, impacting perception and cognition
Caffeine
- adenosine receptor antagonist (blocks adenosine), preventing the calming effects of adenosine, thus releasing dopamine and norepinephrine
- leads to increased alertness and wakefulness
Alcohol (Ethanol)
- GABA agonist
- NMDA antagonist (inhibiting the activity of glutamate)
- increase dopamine, and modulate serotonin transmission
- CNS DEPRESSANT
4 examples of opioids/opiates
- heroin
- fentanyl
- morphine
- codeine
3 examples of hallucinogens
- peyote (mescaline)
- magic mushrooms (psilocybin)
- DMT (dimethyltryptamine)
5 examples of benzodiazepines
- rohypnol (flunitrazepam)
- diazepam
- lorazepam
- alprazolam
- temazepam
5 examples of CNS stimulants
- caffeine
- cocaine
- amphetamines
- methamphetamines
- nicotine
4 examples of CNS depressants
- alcohol (ethanol)
- heroin
- GHB (γ-hydroxybutyrate)
- benzodiazepines
