Misuse of Drugs

Question 1

How does the ‘Misuse of drugs 1973 Act’ classify drugs?

Answer 1

1. Classification (A/B/C) based on harmfulness
2. Schedule 1 (LSD, cannabis, mescaline)
3. Schedule 2 (diamorphine and morphine)

Question 2

Name the five features needed for a POM?

Answer 2

Name and address of patient
Date
Signature
Indication of type of prescriber
Address of prescriber
(if under 12 - name and DOB)

Question 3

Define tolerance?

Answer 3

A higher dose of the drug is needed to achieve the same level of response that was achieved initially

Question 4

Define physical dependence?

Answer 4

Develops when neurones adapt to repeated drug exposure and only function normally with the drugs presence

Question 5

Name three types of drugs classed as depressants?

Answer 5

Opiates
Benzodiazapines
GHB

Question 6

Name three types of drugs classed as stimulants?

Answer 6

Cocaine (Na channel blocker)
Amphetamines (MDMA) - (5HT2 agonist)
KHAT

Question 7

Name three types of drugs classed as hallucinogens?

Answer 7

LSD
Cannabis
Ketamine (bladder fibrosis)

Question 8

Describe the triad regarding serotonin syndrome?

Answer 8

1. Cognitive behaviour changes (agitation, confusion)
2. Neuromuscular dysfunction (tremor, teeth grinding)
3. CNS dysfunction (tachy, hyper-FEVER)

Question 9

What is the major complication of volatile classed substances such as solvents?

Answer 9

VT