Drugs of Abuse

Question 1

What is Cannabis? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 1

Cannabis is a cannabinoid receptor agonist used as a drug of abuse. Its mechanism of action is stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptor mediated events such as memory, movement, food intake.

Question 2

What is Cocaine? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 2

Cocaine is a CNS stimulant used as a drug of abuse and local anaesthetic. Its mechanism of action is sodium channel blocker, neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor (serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine).

Question 3

What is Morphine? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 3

Morphine is an opiate used as a drug of abuse and analgesic. Its mechanism of action is agonist at opioid receptors subverting neurotransmitter release.

Question 4

What is Heroin? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 4

Heroin is an opiate used as a drug of abuse. Its mechanism of action is agonist at opioid receptors subverting neurotransmitter release.

Question 5

What is Methadone? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 5

Methadone is an opiate used for treatment of opiate dependence. Its mechanism of action is opioid agonist working at mu receptors.

Question 6

What is Buprenorphine? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 6

Buprenorphine is an opiate used for treatment of opiate dependence. Its mechanism of action is opioid agonist working at mu receptors.

Question 7

What is Naloxone? Name its drug class, indication, and mechanism of action.

Answer 7

Naloxone is an opioid receptor blocker used for treatment of opiate overdose. Its mechanism of action is competitive antagonist at opioid receptors.