Drugs of Abuse Flashcards
Overdose often results in fatalities from arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, or seizures
COCAINE
Inhibits catecholamine reuptake, resulting in cardiotoxicity and hypertensive episodes
Used in the treatment of alcoholism in compliant patients, causing flushing, vomiting, and hypertension when alcohol is consumed
DISULFIRAM
(Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, resulting in the toxic accumulation of acetaldehyde. Drugs with similar side effects are said to cause a disulfiram-like reaction)
Congener of amphetamine that results in increased intrapersonal communications and increased sexual drive
ECSTACY
(Methylene dioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] use is on the rise in teenagers of higher socioeconomic status and often associated with “rave” parties)
Rapidly acting benzodiazepine used as a “date-rape” drug
FLUNITRAZEPAM
(Due to its amnestic properties, this drug often is added to alcohol, making the victim incapable of resisting or remembering being raped)
Hallucinogenic agent that causes “psychedelic” perceptual effects and can lead to a “bad trip” or panic attack
LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD)
(“Highs” also are associated with somatic effects, such as nausea, paresthesias, and weakness; such effects are also seen with the use of mescaline and psilocybin)
“High” is associated with euphoria, disinhibition, laughter, changes in perception, and hunger
MARIJUANA
The active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], can be used medically to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Used in the management of opioid withdrawal and maintenance programs for addicts
METHADONE
(Used to treat nausea, chills, sweats, lacrimation, cramps, rhinorrhea, yawning, piloerection, diarrhea, and tremor due to opioid withdrawal)
A by-product of incorrectly synthesized illicit street opioids, this contaminant can cause irreversible parkinsonism
MPTP (1-METHYL–PHENYL-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINE)
Causes the destruction of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal tract
Overdose causes constricted pupils, clammy skin, nausea, drowsiness, and respiratory depression with possible coma and death
OPIOIDS (HEROIN/MORPHINE/MEPERIDINE/FENTANYL)
Modulate synaptic transmission by binding mu (morphine), delta (enkephalin), and kappa (dynorphin) receptors
Hallucinogen that often causes psychotic reactions and impaired judgment leading to reckless behavior
PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP)
Also known as “angel dust”; overdose leads to nystagmus, life-threatening hypertension, and seizures
Commonly used analgesic and antipyretic, but unlike NSAIDs, has no anti-inflammatory properties
ACETAMINOPHEN
(Weak inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX), it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system; a related prodrug, phenacetin, is no longer available due to nephrotoxicity)
Causes feelings of euphoria and self-confidence, and, at chronic high doses, delusions and paranoia
AMPHETAMINES
Function as an indirect sympathomimetic by releasing stored catecholamines
