Lecture 23 Flashcards
How do depressants work?
They reduce nervous system activity and can induce a more relaxed state. In higher doses it can inhibit critical systems to the point of danger/death
What does alcohol do?
First increases GABA and then decreases glutamate activity
What is alcohol myopia?
Reduction in cognitive function associated with alcohol
What are Barbiturates and tranquilizers?
Broad categories of drugs that are widely used both clinically and recreationally
What are Barbiturates and Tranquilizers prescribed for?
Anti-anxiety/anxiolytics properties, as asleep aid and to prevent seizures
How do Barbiturates and Tranquilizers work?
Increasing the activity of GABA, highly addictive
How do stimulants wok?
They increase neural firing and general nervous system activity (BP, HR, respiration, feeling of alertness)
What do Amphetamines do?
Increase dopamine and norepinephrine
What are Amphetamines prescribed for?
ADD/ADHD, fatigue
What is amphetamine psychosis?
Schizophrenia-like symptoms that result from an excess of dopaminergic activity
Crystal methamphetamine?
A particularly potent and typically very impure form of amphetamine
What does Coca do?
Blocks norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake
What is the powdered for of Coca?
Cocaine
What does MDMA do?
Affects a wide range of behaviours, processes and emotions (e.g feelings of well-being, empathy, social connection, sensory perception, etc.)
What does MDMA cause?
Causes release, and blocks re-uptake, or serotonin. Also affects dopamine
What are examples of Opiates?
Morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycontin, fentanyl
What do opiates bind to?
The same receptors of endorphins, accounting for the analgesic effects (pain relief)
What do Hallucinogens do?
Distort and or intensify sensory experience and modify cognition, typically affecting serotonergic activity
Where is Psilocybin found?
Various mushrooms
Where is Mescaline found?
Various cacti
How is LSD synthesized?
Via a slight modification of a naturally occurring compound, similar effects as psilocybin/mescaline but longer duration
What is DMT?
A naturally occurring compound found in a range of plants, associated with particularly intense effects that last for a short time
What do Cannabinoids effect?
A wide range of behaviours and processes (e.g. sleep, appetite, pain, mood, memory, attention, etc.)
What do the effects of drugs on an individual depend on?
Genes Physical and social setting Culture Beliefs and expectations Personality factors
