Exam 2 drugs

Question 1

Cocaine

Answer 1

• BLOCKS dopamine transporter.
• Administration results in the accumulation of dopamine in the synapse and enhanced neuronal activity. (DIRECTLY enhance dopamine)
• Rapid onset/short duration of action
• Metabolized in the liver to inactive compounds
• Central effects: Euphoria, Stimulation (increased alertness), Increased energy, Mental clarity (feelings of competence), Restlessness, Irritability, Anxiety

Question 2

Methylphenidate

Answer 2

• BLOCKS the dopamine transporter.
• Administration results in the accumulation of dopamine in the synapse and enhanced neuronal activity. (DIRECTLY enhance dopamine)

Question 3

Amphetamines

d-amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Ephedrine

Answer 3

• REVERSES the dopamine re-uptake transporter
• Releases dopamine stored in synaptic vesicles
• Inactivated MAO - preventing degradation of free dopamine
• *Produce NET increase of dopamine in synapse that is very large

Question 4

MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Answer 4

• Increases release of 5HT (serotonin), DA (dopamine) & NE
• Inhibits re-uptake and metabolism of 5HT, DA & NE
• Lower dose: Stimulant
• Higher dose: Hallucinogen
• Oral (±insufflation)
• Tablet dose and content highly variable

Question 5

Nicotine

Answer 5

• Direct agonist at nAChR.
• Indirectly enhances dopamine release in brain “reward” centers
• Extremely potent
• Readily absorbed by mucosal membranes
• Short duration of action
• Vasoconstrictor
  Increase BP and HR

Question 6

Hallucinogens

LSD, Psilocybin & Psilocin [mushrooms], Bufotenine, Peyote/Mescaline, Myristin & Elemicin

Answer 6

Either agonists or antagonists at 5-HT (serotonin) receptors of various subtypes

Question 7

PCP and Ketmaine

Answer 7

Effects are produced by antagonizing neurotransmission at the the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors
(Block NMDA receptor)

Question 8

Barbiturates

Answer 8

Enhance GABA-mediated chloride currents by binding to the GABA A receptor-ionophore complex and increasing the duration of ionophore opening; barbiturates inhibit neuronal depolarization by potentiating and prolonging the actions of GABA. At high doses, barbiturates stimulate GABA A receptors directly in the absence of GABA.

Question 9

BZD

Answer 9

Enhance endogenous GABA. They increase Cl- influx into to the neuron by increasing the number of GABA channel openings per unit time. This results in hyperpolarization of the neuron and a decreased rate of firing.

Question 10

Alcohol

Answer 10

Interacts with a number of neurotransmitter systems and other drugs only interact with generally 1 (maybe 2)

Question 11

Marijuana (THC)

Answer 11

• Non-selective agonist at cannabinoid receptors

- The euphoric effects of THC are mediated by the CB1 receptor subtype

Question 12

Common MOA of NSAIDs

Answer 12

inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)