Recreational Drugs

Question 1

What are the 3 Schedule I hallucinogens? What is their mechanism? Which are Indole alkyl amine derivatives and which are phenylethylamines?

Answer 1

LSD, Psilocybin (Indole alkyl amine derivatives)

Mescaline (phenylethylamine)

Question 2

What is the mechanism of LSD and others in its class?

Answer 2

Agonist at 5HT2A receptors on Raphe cell body –> inhibition of Raphe Nuclei firing –> increased sensory input;
partial dopamine agonist

Question 3

what is an endogenous cannabinoid?

Answer 3

Anandamide

Question 4

What is the mechanism and use of Marijuana?

Answer 4

Hits cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2: G-protein coupled receptors)
SE: Vasodilation –> tachycardia, dilation of conjunctival vessels, bronchodilation, decreased intraocular pressure, hunger

Question 5

What are 2 synthetic THC drugs? Therapeutic use?

Answer 5

Dronabinol (Schedule III), Nabilone (Schedule II)

-anti-emetic, anti-nausea, and appetite stimulate for cancer chemotherapy and AIDS patients

Question 6

What is the class and mechanism of PCP?

Answer 6

Dissociative anesthetic

Antagonist of ion channel associated with NDMA receptor; agonist at mu opioid receptors

Question 7

What are the side effects of PCP?

Answer 7

Violent behavior, coma, seizures, arrest; inexplicable psychoses
Dissociation, confusion, ataxia, marked nystagmus
Long half-life due to being highly lipid soluble and having active metabolites

Question 8

What is the mechanism and use of amphetamines?

Answer 8

Indirect sympathomimetic (release biologic amines from nerve terminals in periphery and in CNS); dopamine most important
Used for Narcolepsy, ADHD

Question 9

What are the side effects of amphetamines?

Answer 9

Vasospasm leading to possible stroke or MI, arrhythmia, weight loss (anorectic effect)
Tremor, anxiety, irritability, confusion, possibly paranoid state