Drugs of Abuse Flashcards
All drugs that have significant dependence liability share the pharmacologic property of enhancing dopamine activity in the _______.
nucleus accumbens
What is nicotine?
a mild CNS stimulant
What is alcohol?
a CNS depressant
enhances GABA
What is meth?
a strong CNS stimulant
What is another name for the nucleus accumbens?
ventral striatum
A drug of abuse that blocks the reuptake of DA and NE into presynaptic catecholamine neurons and also blocks sodium channels in neuronal membranes is?
cocaine
What are the catecholamines?
DA
NE
Epi
What is the tx for opioid OD?
naloxone
Do opioids increase or decrease nausea and vomiting?
at low doses = increased
at OD level = decreased
Which drug of abuse is least likely to result in a fatality if orally ingested in excessive amounts as a single agent?
diazepam
What is the major SE of concern in phenobarbital?
respiratory depression
What is pharmacodynamic tolerance?
lessened response at an active target site to the same drug concentration due to changes is receptor sensitivity
What is metabolic/dispositional tolerance?
change in pharmacokinetics result in lowered drug Cp at the active site(s), usually due to an increase in metabolism
What is cross tolerance?
tolerance to one drug will carry over to the rest of the drugs in the same class
What is learned tolerance?
reduction in effects of a drug due to learned compensatory mechanisms
What is reverse tolerance?
sensitization to drugs following repeated doses
A pt that is an alcoholic would most likely display cross tolerance to which drugs?
diazepam (Valium)
What is physical dependence?
when you stop use abruptly –> appearance of withdrawal symptoms
biologic phenomenon –> resetting of homeostatic mechanisms
What is psychological dependence?
perceived need for a drug (craving) in the absence of any physiological dependence or withdrawal symptoms
Drug dependence is a term that is defined as?
a state of neuroadaptation produced by repeated drug admin that necessitates continued drug admin to prevent the withdrawal syndrome from occurring
Tolerance is a term that is defined as?
a reduced effect of the drug generated by repeated admin of the drug in a particular environment
Untreated withdrawal from drugs of abuse can produce symptoms that include potentially life-threatening seizures. Seizures are LEAST likely to occur in what drug classes?
opioids
