Lecture 4 - Stimulants Flashcards
List the CNS effects of cocaine.
It blocks the serotonin transporter, the dopamine active transporter and the norepinephrine transporter. The blockage of serotonin and dopamine transporter causes reward and reinforcement effects. Blocking the norepinephrine transporter activates the sympathetic system, increase the arterial pressure, tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmias.
List the short term term side effects of taking cocaine.
- increased sense of energy and alertness
- extremely elevated mood
- feeling of supremacy
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- dilated pupils
- excited
List the long term side effects of taking cocaine.
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Increase risk of stroke
- central vasoconstriction
- Seizures
- bizarre and violent behaviours
- Caustic and can damage nose and sinuses
- Vasoconstrication in gut leading to ulcers and perforation
- Impaired sexual function in male and female
What are the withdrawal symptoms for stopping cocaine?
- Depression and anxiety
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- inability to feel pleasure
- increased craving of cocaine
- aches, pains, tremors and chills
- formication
Provide the list of treatment for cocaine addiction.
There is no approved medication for treating cocaine addiction. There are a few medications marketed for other diseases that have shown promise.
Diazepam reduces anxiety and depression. Amantadine reduce cocaine craving by inhiiting dopamine reuptake.
Propranolol is useful for severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms as it reduces effects of adrenaline.
What is the mechanism of action of ritalin and what is it indication?
It is the first line treatment for ADHD in Europe. It works by releasing dopamine.
How is it abused and what the effects produced?
It is taken nasally which lead to a rapid release of dopamine. The effects produced are instant high and an intensely gratifying euphoria.
Describe the mechanism of action of methamphetamine.
Dextro-amphetamine is used for ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity. Amphetamines are sympathomimetic drugs which promote the release of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. They are substrate of the transporters.
What is the kinetic profile of methamphetamine?
It can be administered nasally, orally or intravenously or occasional smoking. Onset of actions for smoking and intravenous use is quite rapid and the overall effects last for 4-8 hours, residual effects last for up to 12 hours.
Methamphetamine is metabolised to form amphetamine, p-OH-amphetamine and norephedhrine.
What are the side effects of taking methamphetamine?
- light sensitivity
- irritability
- insomnia
- nervousness
- headache
- tremors
- anxiety
- paranoia
- aggressiveness
- hallucinations
What are the overdose effects?
Hyperthermia Tachycardia Severe hypertension Convulsions Chest pain Stroke possible death
What is the mechanism of action of LSD?
It has a similar structure to serotonin. It is believed to bind to 5HT receptors to exert it effects.
List the effects of taking 200 mcg of LSD.
Illusions Stationary objects appear to move Emotional changes Colors become brighter Synaesthesia Time and spatial orientation is affected.
What are the side effects of LSD.
Sweating Dilatation of pupils Change in heart rate and blood pressure hypersalivation Piloerection Nausea, diarrhea fatigue Increased muscular tension Tremors Headache Analgesia
