Pharmacology-Stimulants Flashcards
Why do stimulants cause weight loss?
They decrease appetite
What molecule levels are elevated in the brain?
NE (locus ceruleus), 5-HT (raphe nucleus), DA (ventral tegmental area -> nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra)
3 drugs used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy
D-amphetamine (adderall), methylphenidate (ritalin), atomoxetine
Why are ADHD levels prepared with mixed salts?
Improved steady state blood levels results in decreased abuse potential
How does D-amphetamine work?
Displaces monoamines from nerve terminal and inhibits MAO, causing high levels of monoamine to leak out
How does methylphenidate work?
Inhibits NET, SERT and DAT…same as cocaine
How does atomoxetine work?
Selectively inhibits NET
How does D-amphetamine get into the nerve terminal?
It is lipophilic so it can enter straight through and it also looks so much like NE it can be taken up by NET.
What do all drugs of abuse have in common?
Release of DA onto the nucleus accumbens
Side effects fro atomoxetine
Sexual dysfunction, orthostatic tachycardia…all from NE-induced vasoconstriction and tachycardia.
Drug that you take about one hour before you need to be awake for class or work.
Modafinil, stimulant that increases monoamine levels and decreases GABA levels.
Physical dependence to amphetamines
Tolerance of the drug develops because receptors regress (D2), DA stores are depleted and the body begins to counteract the effects of the drug (increased cAMP levels)
Psychological dependence
Nucleus accumbens inhibited by DA secreted from VTA causes reward, memory of euphoric sensation causes addiction.
What are withdraw symptoms seen in people using stimulants?
The opposite of the stimulant because Glu is acting on Nucleus accumbens instead of DA, stimulating it instead of inhibiting it. You see depression, increased appetite, lethargy and memory of euphoric sensation causing addiction.
