Drugs of abuse Flashcards
List 6 signs of dependence syndrome
Tolerance
Difficulties controlling use
Progressive neglect of other interests
Persistence despite detrimental effects- cognitive, social, emotional
Physical withdrawal state
Strong desire/compulsion to take substance
Which drugs target the dopamine path and where do they act?
Cocaine, amphetamines, opioids
VTA (ventral tegmental area- mesolimbic dopamine pathway)
Increase dopamine release to striatum, hippocampus and frontal cortex
Which drugs enhance serotonin 5HT function
LSD
Ecstasy
Which drugs block N Methyl D Aspartate- NDMA antagonists
Phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine– hallucinogenic
How does cocaine work?
Blocks Na channels- anaesthetic
Prevents DA reuptake
Effects- euphoria, excitement, increased capacity for work
High dose- sympathomimetic-, hypertension, hyperpyrexia, dilated pupil, palpitations
Little tolerance, little physical dependence
Strong psychological dependence
Effects of amphetamines
wakefulness, decreased fatigue, performance enhancing, increased libido, self esteem
release monoamines and blocks reuptake Da NA 5HT
What can chronic dose of amphetamines cause?
Increased CV tone, psychosis, increased bp, tachycardia
How does cannabis work?
THC mimics effect of endogenous lipid messengers
Inhibits NT release in brain and periphery via G prot cannabinoid eceptors
Analgesia, stim appetite, euphoric in moderate doses, dysphoric in high dose
How does cannabis stim hunger?
Feeding centres in hypothalamus
what is methadone used for
to treat opiate abuse, opiate agonist. blocks effect of opiate.
What are naltrexone and mecamylamine used for? downside to them?
antagonists of opioids and nicotine respectively.
patient just has to take more of the drug to overcome them
acamprosate, naltrexone are used for what?
anti craving in alcohol withdrawal
