Pharmacology of Reward & Addiction Flashcards
Rapidity of onset of drug action by MOA
Inhalation > IV > Insufflation > Oral
Pharmacokinetic properties affecting addictive liability
Rapidity of onset of action: Inhalation > IV > Insufflation > Oral
Half life: Short > Long
Cocaine - Mechanism
Inhibits dopamine reuptake by blocking DAT
Also blocks SERT and NET
Relative risk of addiction = 5
Methamphetamine - Mechanism
Inhibits dopamine reuptake and increases DA release by reversing DAT
Also blocks SERT and NET
Relative risk of addiction = 5
Nicotine - Mechanism
Agonist at nicotinic receptor
Relative risk of addiction = 4
MDMA - Mechanism
Phenylethylamine class of hallucinogens
Blocks and reverses SERT causing decreased 5HT re-uptake as well as 5HT release
Hallucinogens - Mechanism
5HT2A receptor partial agonist
Relative risk of addiction = 1
Dissociative Anesthetics - Agents & Mechanism
NMDA receptor antagonists; also block reuptake of DA and 5HT
PCP
Ketamine
Dextromethorphan
Opioid mechanism & Reinforcing effects
Agonist at endogenous mu opioid receptors
Release of histamine
Cause euphoria, analgesia, sedation, anxiety reduction, and warm flushing of the skin (“rush”)
Opioid tolerance
High levels of tolerance develop to euphoria, respiratory depression, analgesia, sedation, and nausea
Little tolerance develops to constipation or pupillary constriction
Withdrawal symptoms develop after 1-2 weeks of daily use
Treatment for opiate withdrawal
Clonidine (alpha-2 agonist) alleviates symptoms of sympathetic overactivity (nausea/vomiting, cramps, sweating, tachycardia)
Methadone / Buprenorphine via cross-tolerance
Mechanism of CNS Depressants
All classes act to facilitate GABA activity at Cl- receptors
Barbituates and EtOH also decrease glutamate activity at higher doses
CNS Depressant Overdose - Presentation & Treatment
Confusion, emotional lability, depressed reflexes, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma, death
Treatment:
Benzos: Flumazenil (specific receptor antagonist)
Alcohol: Thiamine + glucose + electrolytes
All: Cardiopulmonary support, IV fluids
CNS depressant withdrawal syndrome
Rebound hyperexcitability of the CNS including insomnia, anxiety, sweating, nausea/vomiting, grand mal seizures, fever, delirium, psychosis, death
CNS stimulant toxicity - Presentation and Treatment
PNS sympathetic overactivity: tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, sweating, psychomotor agitation, angina, MI, arrhythmias, stroke, paranoid psychosis
Treatment: Diazepam for seizures, vasodilatos (Phentolamine) to reduce BP, Haloperidol for overt psychosis
Supportive: Cardiopulmonary support, control of fever
CNS Stimulants - Tolerance and Withdrawal
Tolerance develops to anorexia, euphoria, and hyperthermia; supersensitivity may develop to psychomotor effects and paranoia
Withdrawal is mild and includes fatigue, depression; if severe, may be treated with TCADs/Buproprion
Nicotine toxicity
60mg = fatal dose
Toxicity presents as nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, salivation, diarrhea, headache, hypotension, irregular pulse, convulsions, and death by respiratory failure
Nicotine - Tolerance and withdrawal
Tolerance develops to euphoric effects and nausea
Withdrawal characterized by irritability, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, increased appetite/weight gain