Sketchy Pharm: Indirect Sympathomimetics

Question 1

Where is norepinephrine synthesized?

Answer 1

In the synaptic vesicles (“northbound scout in the sea vessel”)

Question 2

Cocaine blocks the reuptake of ________________.

Answer 2

norepinephrine and dopamine

Question 3

What NET inhibitor is used to treat ADHD?

Answer 3

Atomextine (think of the scout beneath the dock –neglecting the NET –watching the ATOM on HD tv)

Question 4

What drug inhibits VMAT?

Answer 4

Reserpine (the snake on the VMAT biting the scout who’s trying to toss the catecholamine fish back into the sea vessel)

Question 5

What does amphetamine do?

Answer 5

It –like methylphenidate – stimulates increased release of catecholamines.

Question 6

Where are D1 and D2 receptors located?

Answer 6

D1s are in the kidney (think of the kidney swing hanging by one rope) and D2s are in the brain (think of the scout on the swing with two ropes wearing the brain helmet)

Question 7

Why would you not give a beta-blocker to someone overdosing on cocaine?

Answer 7

Because cocaine leads to increased alpha and beta stimulation –if you only knock out the beta then you might lead to unrestricted alpha effects, namely vasoconstriction