HLTH 237 Ch. 8,9,12 Flashcards by Nae Nae

What is the primary effect of depressants on the central and peripheral nervous systems?

They slow down the CNS and PNS, reducing heart rate, respiratory rate, and reaction time.

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What are the three main categories of depressants discussed in Chapter 8?

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines (medically useful but dangerous), inhalants and solvents (used recreationally), and alcohol (culturally acceptable).

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What neurotransmitter do barbiturates and benzodiazepines primarily affect?

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

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What are the two primary effects of barbiturates?

Sedative (relieves anxiety) and hypnotic (induces sleep).

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Why are barbiturates considered highly dangerous in terms of withdrawal?

They have the most severe withdrawal symptoms of all psychoactive drugs, with a risk of fatality from immediate withdrawal or overdose.

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Name three examples of barbiturates.

Pentobarbital, Phenobarbital, Primidone.

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Why were non-barbiturate sedative-hypnotics introduced in 1954?

They were marketed as a “safe, non-addictive” alternative to barbiturates for sleep.

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How do benzodiazepines differ from barbiturates?

They were designed to be a safer alternative but still cause dependence within four weeks.

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What are the dangers associated with non-barbiturate sedative-hypnotics?

They cause rapid tolerance, physical dependence, disruption of REM sleep, and life-threatening withdrawal.

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What happens when benzodiazepines are mixed with alcohol?

They can cause rapid intoxication, temporary blackouts, and memory impairment.

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Give three examples of benzodiazepines

Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam)

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What are the two major categories of inhalants?

Organic solvents (gasoline, glue)
anesthetic inhalants (ether, nitrous oxide).

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What are “Z-drugs,” and how do they differ from benzodiazepines?

Z-drugs (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta) were developed for insomnia and have a lower risk of dependence and withdrawal.

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Why are inhalants particularly dangerous for young people?

hey are readily available and can cause permanent brain damage.

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Why is alcohol considered both a depressant and a social enhancer?

It reduces inhibition and impairs judgment, but its effects vary depending on social setting and expectations.

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What are some of the historical origins of alcohol?

Mead (8000 BCE), beer and berry wine (6400 BCE), and grape wine (300-400 BCE).

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What is gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and why is it dangerous?

It is a depressant often used recreationally; when combined with alcohol, it can cause memory loss and unconsciousness.

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What percentage of road traffic deaths in Canada are linked to alcohol impairment?

33%

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What is the primary cause of a hangover?

What are some long-term health effects of alcohol use?

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What are some long-term health effects of alcohol use?

Damage to the brain, liver, cardiovascular system, and increased risk of cancer and developmental disabilities (e.g., fetal alcohol spectrum disorder).

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What is the primary source of natural opioids?

The opium poppy plant

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What makes opioids different from other psychoactive substances?

Their strong ability to produce physical and psychological dependence.

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What are the three major effects of opioids on the body?

Pain relief, suppression of the gastrointestinal tract, and cough suppression.

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What are the three main categories of opioids?

Natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic.

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Why are opioids risky for treating chronic pain?

They lead to rapid tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction.

What are the three most common natural opioids?

Opium, morphine, and codeine.

Why is morphine considered more potent than opium?

It is 10 times stronger than opium

What medical uses does codeine have?

Pain relief, cough suppression, and anti-diarrheal effects.

What are semi-synthetic opioids made from?

A combination of natural opioids and chemical modifications.

What is buprenorphine used for?

Treating opioid dependence by reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal.

Which semi-synthetic opioid is known for being 7–8 times stronger than morphine?

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Why is heroin considered one of the most dangerous opioids?

It is 5–10 times more potent than morphine and has a high risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal.

How was heroin originally marketed when it was developed in 1874?

As a non-addictive alternative to morphine.

What makes OxyContin more dangerous than Percocet?

OxyContin contains a time-release version of oxycodone but can be crushed and abused.

What role did OxyContin play in the opioid crisis?

It was heavily marketed to doctors, leading to widespread misuse and addiction.

What are synthetic opioids?

Opioids that do not come from the poppy plant but mimic its effects.

Which synthetic opioid is 100 times stronger than morphine?

Fentanyl

What is methadone primarily used for?

Maintenance therapy for opioid dependence, as it does not produce the same euphoric effects.

Why is carfentanil considered highly dangerous?

It is 10,000 times stronger than morphine and was originally developed as a veterinary tranquilizer.

What is the main cause of opioid overdose deaths?

Respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing)

What are common symptoms of opioid withdrawal?

Chills, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, insomnia, irritability, and excessive sweating.

What is the primary treatment for opioid overdose?

Naloxone (Narcan), which reverses respiratory depression.

How does naloxone work?

It blocks opioid receptors, rapidly reversing an overdose.

Why is opioid addiction difficult to overcome?

The high rate of relapse and the long-term changes in brain chemistry caused by chronic opioid use.

How do psychotherapeutic drugs differ from depressants or stimulants?

They help bring the brain back to homeostasis rather than just increasing or decreasing neural activity.

What are the three main categories of psychotherapeutic drugs?

Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants.

What is the primary purpose of psychotherapeutic drugs?

To alter thought processes, mood, and emotional reactions in individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions.

Why are psychotherapeutic drugs rarely used recreationally?

Their effects take time to develop, and they do not produce immediate euphoria like other psychoactive drugs.

What are the primary symptoms of psychosis?

Delusions, hallucinations, apathy, social withdrawal, cognitive deficits, and anxiety.

What is the most well-known psychotic disorder?

Schizophrenia

What are the primary effects of antipsychotic drugs?

They reduce behavioral and physiological responses to stimuli, decrease hallucinations and delusions, and induce emotional quieting.

What are some common side effects of antipsychotics?

Drowsiness, nightmares, confusion, disorientation, movement impairments (e.g., tremors, muscle stiffness)

How did second-generation antipsychotics (introduced in the 1990s) impact treatment?

They led to a marked increase in prescriptions, especially in youth and institutionalized seniors.

What are some common second-generation antipsychotics?

Aripiprazole (Abilify) and risperidone (Risperdal)

Besides schizophrenia, what other conditions are antipsychotics prescribed for?

OCD, disruptive behavior disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and bipolar disorder

What are the symptoms of mania?

Exaggerated well-being, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and impulsivity.

What was bipolar disorder previously known as?

Manic depression

What are the three main mood states in bipolar disorder?

Depression, euthymia (homeostasis), and mania.

What are three common mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder?

Lithium, carbamazepine, and valproate.

What are the risks of lithium treatment?

Toxic buildup in the body, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.

Why is lithium effective for bipolar disorder?

It helps reduce the risk of suicide and stabilize mood.

Which mood stabilizer is commonly used for rapid cycling bipolar disorder?

Valproate

What are common side effects of carbamazepine?

Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and increased suicide risk.

List three common symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and thoughts of suicide.

What distinguishes clinical depression from normal sadness?

**It is chronic, recurring, and debilitating**, severely impairing social and cognitive function.

What is the "discontinuation syndrome" in antidepressants?

A withdrawal-like reaction that includes **dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances.**

Why is there debate over the effectiveness of antidepressants?

Some studies suggest they may be no more effective than a placebo in mild or moderate depression.

What are the primary effects of antidepressants?

They elevate mood, improve appetite, enhance physical activity, and reduce feelings of guilt and helplessness.

What are the three main categories of antidepressants?

First-generation (typical) second-generation (typical), and atypical antidepressants.

How do first-generation antidepressants work?

They increase neurotransmitter concentration in the brain but also cause sedation and slower reaction times.

What is the main risk of MAOIs?

They require a strict diet to prevent dangerous hypertensive reactions.

What are the two types of first-generation antidepressants?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

How do second-generation antidepressants work?

They block the reuptake of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

What are the three types of second-generation antidepressants?

SSRIs, SSNRIs, and NDRIs.

What are some common SSRIs?

Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

What is the main difference between SSRIs and SSNRIs?

SSNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor) target both serotonin and norepinephrine, whereas SSRIs only target serotonin.

What is an example of an NDRI, and how does it work?

Wellbutrin (bupropion); it increases norepinephrine and dopamine.

How do atypical antidepressants work?

They modify neurotransmitter levels in unique ways that differ from reuptake inhibition.