Exam 3 (Chapters 8-10) Flashcards
THC/Marihuana is known as a “___ drug.”
gateway
What is the active ingredient in marijuana?
THC
Where does TCH come from?
hemp plant
What are the different classifications of THC and what is the major difference between them?
-marijuana
-ganja
-hasheesh
major difference: different potentcies/% of THC
What percent of THC is found in marijuana?
about 2 to 5%
What percent of THC is found in ganja?
about 2 to 5%
What percent of THC is found in hasheesh?
about 20%
In the 1990s, THC was classified as a __ drug.
hypnotic
Decreased dosage of THC created the same effects as __ and __. (1990s)
alcohol and benzodiazapeins
Today, THC is classified as a __ drug.
hallucination drug
What are the effects of THC use?
-disrupts attention
-short term memory loss
-immunosuppressant (prone to infection/illness)
-sexual dysfunction
-reproductive issues w/ long-term use (lowers sperm count)
THC is structurally similar to __.
anandamide
Anandamide
an endogenous ligand for brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors, produces many behavioral effects similar to those of THC
THC binds to ___ receptors.
cannabinoid
Anandamide is synthesized from __ and __.
arachadine and ethanolamine
Only __% of cannabinoid receptors are activated by THC.
20%
Cannabinoid receptors may be as numerous as ___ receptors and there are about __ times as many cannabinoid receptors as opioids.
GABA; 10 to 20 times
THC is a __ antagonist.
partial
What causes cognitive impairment?
effect of glutamate (inhibiting presynaptic release)
THC inhibits __.
adenylate cyclase
THC —> ____ —> blocking of ___
receptor; adenylate cyclase
Does THC inhibit calcium directly or indirectly?
indirectly
There are about how many cannabinoid receptors in our brain?
400+
THC binding to cannabinoid activates ___.
g-protein
What parts of the brain are affected by marijuana?
-hippocampus (memory)
-cerebellum (movement, coordination)
-basal ganglia
-cerebral cortex
What cannabinoid receptors does THC bind to?
CB1 and CB2
Marijuana use directly affects brain function — specifically the parts of the brain responsible for __.
memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time.
The cerebral cortex is associated with the distortion of __. (w/ marijuana use)
sound, color, and taste
this is why it was previously thought to be a hallucinogen
What percent of the plant does THC actually come from?
about 1%
About how much THC is absorbed through smoking?
about 20 grams
How much of the THC from smoking actually makes it into the bloodstream?
about half
Behavioral effects after smoking THC occur __.
almost immediately (~5 to 10 minutes)
How long can the effects of THC last?
usually about 5 to 10 hours
Approximately how long after smoking THC is the peak of effects reached?
about 10 minutes
THC is metabolized by __.
P450 enzyme
__ is the major enzyme responsible for the elimination of THC.
CYP2C9
11-hydroxy-THC (11-delta-9-hydroxy)
main active metabolite in THC
About how long can THC remain detectable in the body?
2 weeks
How does THC affect the central nervous system?
-enhances senses
-produces euphoric effects (not as strong as cocaine)
At high dosages, THC can produce what kind of effects?
-paranoia
-acute depression
-panic
Toxic dosage of THC can produce what kind of effects?
-hallucinations
-exasperates other symptoms
THC causes ___ release in the basal ganglia.
dopamine
What aspect accounts for addiction to THC?
THC activates mu-opioid receptors which trigger the path to the frontal cortex
Why does a tolerance of THC occur?
-cannabinoid decreases regulation meaning there is an oversupply of cannabinoid receptors
-rapid receptor
Why is drug intervention not used for the withdrawal of THC?
Because intolerance of THC is not strong enough and symptoms are not bad
Opium is extracted from the __ plant.
poppy
Opioids are used for the treatment of __.
pain, sleep, and euphoria
Morphine was isolated in
the 1800s
Morphine and codeine are extracted
naturally
Codeine was used to treat
moderate issues and cough (it makes you go to sleep)
Opioids
any endogenous drug that binds to opiate receptor
Opioid antagonist
binds to opioid receptors and blocks one or more of the opioid receptors in the central or peripheral nervous system
Stimulation of central mu receptors causes
respiratory depression, analgesia, and euphoria.
What fibers are activated in the PNS when experiencing pain?
primary afferent fibers
Nociceptive pain
a type of pain caused by damage to body tissue; activated by pain
What neurotransmitters are released by pain?
substance P and glutamate
Opioids inhibit the release of
substance P and glutamate
Substance P and glutamate are regulated by
endorphins
Endorphins and opioid antagonist act __ to inhibit the release of __.
presynaptically; substance P
The two most commonly used centrally acting opioid receptor antagonists are
naloxone and naltrexone
Pain mechanism:
get injured —> __ —> __ —> __ —> __ —> aware of pain
get injured —> substance P activated —> spinal cord —> thalamus —> brain (limbic system) —> symatic CNS —> aware of pain
DSM-5
chronic pain
What are the major endorphins that act as morphine?
-encephalin
-dynorphins
-beta-endorphins
There are no opioid receptors in the __.
cortex
Mu receptors are found in the
brain and spinal cord (CNS)
What are the different mu receptors associated with opioids? Where are they located?
-mu 1: outside the spinal cord
-mu 2: in CNS
Mu 1 agonist is most potent in the
thalamus
Mu 1
-interprets pain
-effects respiration
-blocks pain at the spinal cord directly
Is mu 1 or mu 2 associated with morphine?
mu 1
Delta-receptors
we’re not exactly sure what they do but they may modulate receptors in the brain
What are the 3 opioid receptors?
- mu receptors
- delta receptors
- kappa receptors
Where are kappa receptors found?
basil ganglia
What happens when mu receptors bind to an opioid agonist?
the release of neurotransmitters is decreased/inhibited; pain signaling
Delta-receptors and kappa-receptors influence
mu receptors
Opioid receptors come from
ocun gene
The limbic system is responsible for __.
emotion
Opioid receptors are found in the __, where they are embedded in __.
nervous system; neurons
How do opioid receptors work in the body?
When opioids attach (bind) to the receptors, the interaction triggers a series of chemical changes within and between neurons that lead to feelings of pleasure and pain relief.
Why aren’t hallucinogens regarded as addictive?
they don’t produce the rewards in brain like other drugs
Hallucinogens are widely used within what culture?
Native American
Psychedelics/Hallucinogens
change cognition, mood, and reality
-act on CNS
-alter the way we see the world
How are hallucinogens/psychedelics classified?
- anticholinergic
- monoamine
- glutaminergic
Anticholinergic
interrupts citicoline
-low dose= euphoria
-clouds consciousness
-produces drowsiness
Monoamine
catecholamine and serotonin; are agonists at post-synaptic receptors so they increase
-dopaminergic effects (small amount)
-MDMA
-mescaline
Mescaline
pharmacacti
-visual hallucinations
-in creasing the dose= increasing psychotic effects
-rapidly absorbed
-effects last 10 to 12 hours
Glutaminergic
NMDA antagonist
True or False: Withdrawal symptoms are not often seen with hallucinogens.
True
Anticholinergic effects of hallucinogens:
-muscarinic and nicotinic
*muscarinic antagonist for acetylcholine
acetylcholine
a type of chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, that plays a vital role in the central and peripheral nervous system. It is important for muscle control, autonomic body functions, and learning, memory, and attention.
Hallucinogens are classified as a __.
deliriant
deliriant
a class of drugs that produces hallucinatory effect
-fatigue
-loss of attention
Hallucinogens expand __.
consciousness
Hallucinogens/Psychedelics can be found in nature from what plant?
belladonna plant
What are the pharmacological effects of hallucinogens/psychedelics?
-increased heart rate
-constipation
-dry mouth
-drowsiness
At toxic levels, what are the pharmacological effects of hallucinogens/psychedelics?
-nausea
-vomiting
-fixed pupils
With hallucinogens/psychedelics, most deaths are the result of what?
accidents, suicides, homicides
True or False: There is a very large amount of psychological dependence on hallucinogens/psychedelics.
False, there is very little psychological dependence.
Hallucinogens/psychedelics are not addictive themselves but at what point could they become addictive?
When combined with other drugs
-slight and physical
What is the mechanism of action of psychedelics?
locks out serotonergic transmitter sites and saturates the serotonergic system, habituating the receptors and reducing the regulatory processes of the serotonergic system. This results in a release of the dopamine system normally repressed by serotonin.
Hallucinogens activate specific receptors in the brain, called __, that are normally triggered by the neurotransmitter __.
5-HT2A receptors; serotonin
MDMA is also known as
ecstasy
MDMA acts as a releasing agent of __.
serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
entactogen
a class of psychoactive drugs that produce experiences of emotional communion, oneness, relatedness, emotional openness—that is, empathy or sympathy—as particularly observed and reported for experiences with MDMA
Mescaline is found in __ and is used by whom?
cactus (peyote); Native Americans
What are the effects of MDMA and similar drugs?
-anxiety
-trimers
-limb hyperreflexia
-visual hallucinations
MDMA is rapidly absorbed at about __ hour(s).
1 hour
How long do the effects of MDMA usually last?
about 3 to 4 hours
Which hallucinogen is synthetic, mescaline or LSD?
LSD
MDMA is more toxic and potent than which naturally occurring halluciongen?
mescaline
MDMA inhibits the reuptake of
dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, 5HT, and acetylcholine
What is the biggest issue with MDMA?
the psychological effects vary
What are the physical effects of MDMA?
-increases bp and heart rate
-increases anxiety
-increases cognitive deficits
-damages neurons (neuro-toxic)
-effects memory over time
What are the psychological effects of MDMA?
-euphoria
-increased awareness
-increased empathy
-increased openness
-intensifies sensory experience
-longterm depression
MDMA affects the __ nervous system.
central
MDMA causes de__ and de__.
depersonalization and derealization
MDMA is a __ which means it damages serotonin receptors.
neurotoxin
MDMA use can lead to
-depression
-kidney failure
-hypothermia
-striatal depletion in the brain
What is the massive issue/effect of taking MDMA?
depletion of seratonin
Over years of abusing MDMA, about __% of __ and __ receptors are seen.
50%; 5HT & 5HTIAA
What is the usual dose of LSD?
100 micrograms
LSD is metabolized by the __ and is detectable in urine for about __.
liver; 1 day
LSD half-life:
3.6 hours
LSD is related to __ which is different from schizophrenia as this is related to __. Hint: neurotransmitter.
serotonin; dopamine
LSD was previously used in
psychotherapy and military experiments
How long does the LSD “trip” typically last?
9-12 hours
LSD peak effects are expected to be felt anywhere from _ to _ hours after using the drug.
1 to 2.5
What percent of LSD makes it to the brain?
~1%
What receptors does psilocybin work?
5-HT2A serotonin receptors
psilocybin
mushroom, “shrooms”
psilocybin metabolite
psilocin
Psilocybin is __% more potent than LSD.
0.5
Psilocybin last approximately __ hour(s).
6
Mechanism of Action of Psilocybin:
Psilocin reacts agonistically with serotonin 5-HT2A receptors to produce a “mystical-like” hallucinatory effect
What are the physiological effects of serotonin psychedelics?
-increase heart rate, bp, and temperature
-increases blood-glucose levels
-nausea and drowsiness
What is the usual dose of serotonin psychedelics?
about 50 microgrmas
About how much of serotonin psychedelics does one need to consume to overdose?
about 400 mg
What are the mental effects of serotonin psychedelics?
-perceptual alterations
-panic
-fear
What are the long-term effects of serotonin psychedelics?
flashbacks (hallucinogenic persistent disorder)
“Flashbacks” or “hallucinogenic persistent disorder” can occur __. Why does this happen?
can occur years after; no none knows for sure why it happens but it may be due to potency so it doesn’t leave the system as fast
Serotonin psychedelics are a __ agonist and therefore mimic __ at the __ receptors.
5HT2A; seratine; 5HT2A
For glutamate/anesthetic psychedelics, what is primarily affected?
NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)
Glutamate/Anesthetic Psychedelic research has led to what?
schizophrenia research (glutamate role in schizophrenia patients)
What are the two primary glutamate/Anesthetic psychedelic drugs?
- Phencyclodean (PCP) (Angel Dust)
- Ketamine
PCP and Angel Dust effects look similar to
schizophrenia
What is the benefit of PCP and Angel Dust?
safer for heart, blood pressure, and other health factors
Phencyclodean and Ketamine are __ drugs which means that they affect memory and have analgesic effects.
anesthetic
Ketamine is structurally similar to
PCP
Ketamine is used to treat
resistant depression
In what ways can PCP be administered?
injected, smoked, snorted, through eyes, rectum, vagina
What is the most common dose of PCP, the dose that gives you the “warm-fuzzy” feeling?
5-10 mg
What are some symptoms of taking PCP?
-“warm-fuzzy” feeling
-distortion of body image
-“outer” body experience
-high
What is the “magic mint”?
-hallucinogen (vision-inducing drug)
-also called Salvia
-legal
-linked to therapeutic treatment
Magic Mint drug can be used to treat
mild to moderate pain
About how long do the effects of magic mint last?
the effects are very short last, lasting from 30 minutes to an hour
How long do the effects of PCP last?
4 to 10 hours
When you come down from PCP high, what effect is most often seen?
depression
A high dose of PCP produces
psychosis
What is the lethal dose of PCP?
50 to 100 mg; oral is 1 gram
PCP is __ by other drugs.
exasperated
PCP has analgesic effects which means __.
you won’t feel pain
What does treatment look like for PCP?
try to keep people safe until their high comes down
How does PCP act in the body, how are the effects of the drugs produced?
ion channels of NMDA are blocked; It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
How does Ketamine act in the body, how are the effects of the drugs produced?
ion channels of NDMA are blocked; it’s an NMDA receptor antagonist. It binds to the NMDA receptor protein on cell membranes and blocks glutamate from binding there
Salvinorin A is considered a __. Why?
dissociative hallucinogen; It is structurally distinct from other naturally occurring hallucinogens
How does salvinorin A affect the brain?
Salvinorin-A Induces Intense Dissociative Effects, Blocking External Sensory Perception and Modulating Interoception and Sense of Body Ownership in Humans.
Major classes of psychedelic drugs:
LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, PCP, cannabis, ecstasy, ketamine, salvia
cannabinol (CBN)
metabolite of THC
CB2 receptors are mostly found outside the __ but can also be found in __ in inflammatory conditions.
CNS; microglia cells
