Pharmacology of Psychomotor Stimulants

Question 1

xNicotine preferentially acts on nicotinic receptors. For which receptors does nicotine have an affinity?

Answer 1

Nn&raquo_space; Nm

Question 2

This drug is a partial agonist of Nn receptors. What is its use?

Answer 2

Varenicline - used exclusively for smoking cessation

Question 3

This drug acts by promoting the presynaptic release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin AND inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.

Answer 3

Amphetamines

Question 4

What life-threatening ADR is associated with cocaine toxicity?

Answer 4

Cardiac arrhythmia

Question 5

What is unique about the physiologic effects of nicotine?

Answer 5

Nicotine has a dual effect. It initially stimulates via depolarization. This is followed by inhibition due to the inactivation of ion channels.

Question 6

What is the active metabolite of cocaine?

Answer 6

Benzoylecgonine

Question 7

What is the active metabolite of nicotine?

Answer 7

Cotinine

Question 8

What is the proposed MOA of caffeine?

Answer 8

Inhibits the phosphodiesterase and increases cAMP, inhibits adenosine receptors, promotes histone deacetylation

Question 9

Nicotine stimulates sympathetic ganglia. What effects are seen in the GI tract due to nicotine?

Answer 9

Nicotine activates parasympathetic receptors in the GI tract and exocrine glands. This causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gland activation

Question 10

This drug is a non-selective agonist of nicotinic receptors.

Answer 10

Nicotine

Question 11

What treatment is recommended for nicotine OD?

Answer 11

Symptom management and activated charcoal

Question 12

What is the MOA of cocaine?

Answer 12

Inhibits the dopamine transporter, also reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin

Question 13

This antidepressant is also approved for smoking cessation. What is its MOA?

Answer 13

Bupropion - inhibits reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, nicotinic antagonist

Question 14

What drugs are used to treat cocaine use disorder?

Answer 14

Topiramate, baclofen, modafinil

Question 15

How does drug dependence differ from addiction?

Answer 15

Drug dependence is a physical condition that includes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is removed.

Drug addiction is a psychological condition in which there is a compulsion to use the drug.

Question 16

This is a gradual process of decreasing drug doses to prevent withdrawal symptoms and wean a patient off a drug.

Answer 16

Detoxification

Question 17

How long are cocaine metabolites detectable in the urine?

Answer 17

2-5 days, up to 10

Question 18

Caffeine can cause frequent urination. Why is this?

Answer 18

Caffeine acts as a weak diuretic, causing more frequent urination

Question 19

How does the MAO of cocaine and amphetamines differ?

Answer 19

Cocaine prevents catecholamine reuptake. Amphetamines prevent reupdate AND promote release of catecholamines from the presynaptic vesicle.

Question 20

Modafinil is used to treat what conditions?

Answer 20

Shift work sleep disorders, narcolepsy, sleep apnea

Question 21

This drug is an amphetamine used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD.

Answer 21

Methylphenidate

Question 22

True/False. Caffeine causes bronchoconstriction.

Answer 22

False. It causes bronchodilation by inhibiting adenosine receptors.