Recreational drugs Flashcards
Mechanism of action of cocaine
Directly blocks the dopamine transporter
Prevents dopamine being pumped back into the cell
Results in increased levels of dopamine in the synaptic cleft
Mechanism of action of amphetamine
Binds to the dopamine transporter and is taken up into the presynaptic terminal - competes at the dopamine transporter
Increases the amount of monoamines and inhibits their metabolism
Induces transporter reversal of the dopamine transporter
All results in increased dopamine in the synaptic cleft
Common anabolic steroids used to enhance performance and physical appearance
Nandrolone
Stanozolol
Oxandrolone
Trenbolone
Psychiatric complications of anabolic steroid use
Aggression, irritability, mood swings - 'roid rage' Psychosis Mania Depression Worsening of tic disorders
Three common regimes used in taking anabolic steroids
Cycling
Stacking
Pyramiding
Use of anabolic steroids where they are taken for 4-12 weeks and then stopped for a time, before being taken again
Cycling
Use of anabolic steroids where more than one steroid is used at once
Stacking
Use of anabolic steroids where they are taken in increasing doses up to a peak dose, and then tapered back down again
Pyramiding
Class of drug anabolic steroids fall into
Class C
Most common methods of administration of anabolic steroids
Oral
IM
Drugs apart from anabolic steroids used to increase metabolic rate and help training
Thyroxine
Ephedrine
Clenbuterol
Drugs apart from anabolic steroids taken to increase body mass
Insulin
Growth hormone
Drug taken to prevent gynaecomastia when taking anabolic steroids
Tamoxifen
Drug taken to stimulate the testes when withdrawing from taking anabolic steroids
Human chorionic gonadotrophin
Drug taken to prevent water retention when taking anabolic steroids
Diuretics
Reproductive side effects to taking anabolic steroids in males
BPH Testicular atrophy Poor fertility, suboptimal sperm Gynaecomastia Breast lumps
Reproductive side effects to taking anabolic steroids in females
Shrinking of breast tissue
Menstrual irregularities
Masculinisation - hirsutism, deepening of voice
Side effects to taking anabolic steroids aside from reproductive and psychiatric side effects
Raised BP MI Cholestatic jaundice Liver tumours Peliosis hepatis - blood filled cavities in the liver Male pattern baldness Acne, oily skin Sleep apnoea Glucose intolerance If taken pre-pubescently can lead to premature fusion of the epiphyses and reduced final height
Recreational drug known as a dissociative anaesthetic
Ketamine
Alternative name for angel dust
Phecyclidine (PCP)
Mechanism of action of PCP
Antagonist at ionotropic glutamate receptors e.g. NMDA
Drugs which can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms due to NMDA receptor antagonist activity
Ketamine
PCP
Mechanism of action of caffeine’s stimulant effect
Adenosine receptor antagonist
Recreational use of sibutramine
Appetite suppressant
Mechanism of action of sibutramine
Monoamine reuptake inhibitor
Risk of concomitant use of sibutramine with SSRIs or SNRIs
Serotonin syndrome
Legality of sibutramine in the UK
Has been withdrawn
Area of the brain most directly affected by amphetamine use
Striatum
Receptor which GHB acts on
GABA-B
Recreational drug which has a similar effect to khat
Amphetamine
Caffeine per standard drink of brewed coffee
100mg
Caffeine per standard drink of red bull
80mg
Saliva concentration of caffeine in relation to plasma level
Saliva concentration is half of plasma level
