Stimulants

Question 1

What is the pharmacodynamic action of stimulants?

Answer 1

Stimulants are sympathomimetic, meaning they mimic the effects of adrenaline, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure

Question 2

What are the behavioral effects of high doses of stimulants?

Answer 2

In high doses, stimulants can induce psychosis, compulsive-stereotyped behavior, hallucinations, and formication.

Formication is the feeling of insects crawling on one’s body or under one’s skin

Question 3

What is Meridia?

Answer 3

Meridia is a stimulant with the generic name sibutramine
It’s primary indication is to treat obesity

Question 4

What is Provigil?

Answer 4

Provigil is a sitmulant with the brand name Modafinil that is primarily indicated to treat Narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and sleep apnea.

Question 5

What is the pharmacodynamic action of stimulants on the CNS?

Answer 5

Stimulants increase monoamingergic tone by mostly having an effect on DA, NE, and 5-HT. It blocks the reuptake, increases release, which then increases the release of neurotransmitters. It activates the monoamines mostly found in the nucleus accumbens, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex.

Question 6

Methamphetamine

Answer 6

-Methamphetamine is a stimulant and goes by the brand name Desoxyn.
-It is a psychostimulant with high potential for abuse, tolerance, and dependence
-Has powerful effects on the CNS which can result in neurotoxicity and cardiac events that lead to possible death
-Approved to treat ADHD, but is a Schedule II drug

Question 7

Methylphenidate

Answer 7

-Methylphenidate is a stimulant that goes by the brand name Ritalin and Concerta
-Primarily indicated for ADHD and narcolepsy, but has off-label use for geriatric care and treating addiction

Question 8

What is the tolerance and dependence like for stimulants?

Answer 8

-Pleasurable effects show acute tolerance rapidly
-Sympathomimetic effects are slower
-Does not induce a severe physical withdrawal syndrome
-Severe cognitive withdrawal syndrome

Question 9

What are the pharmacodynamics of amphetamines?

Answer 9

-Increases the release of DA and NE
-Increased release in the nucleus accumbens increases reward circuit and makes behavior more pleasurable
-Increased release in the basal ganglia results in repetitive behavior

Question 10

What is lisdexamfetamine?

Answer 10

-A stimulant, also known as the brand name Vyvanse.
-Has a prodrug form where it is converted to dextroamphetamine and is primarily designed for extended release

Question 11

Compared to modafinil, methylphenidate is _______ effective for the treatment of ADHD, and ________ effective for the treatment of narcolepsy

Answer 11

Equally; more

Question 12

Methamphetamine is made from amphetamine by substituting a ________ group.

Answer 12

-CH3

Question 13

A drug that has the same effect as adrenaline is known as a

Answer 13

Sympathomimetic

Question 14

The major pharmacodynamic mechanism of amphetamine is

Answer 14

Increased release of neurotransmitters

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a serious side effect of methamphetamine use?

Answer 15

Liver failure

Question 16

The primary indication of sibutramine is the treatment of

Answer 16

Obesity

Question 17

Withdrawal symptoms of amphetamine dependency include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer 17

Altered pain threshold

Question 18

Methamphetamine produces anorexigenic effects by

Answer 18

Increasing CART production in the hypothalamus

Question 19

The therapeutic uses(s) of amphetamine is/are:

Answer 19

Treatment of both narcolepsy and ADHD

Question 20

Cocaine should be used with caution in patients who have

Answer 20

Cardiovascular disease

Question 21

The peripheral side effects of psychostimulants resemble activation of the

Answer 21

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 22

An important target area in the brain for the therapeutic effects of methylphenidate is the

Answer 22

Prefrontal cortex

Question 23

The excretion rate of methamphetamine is dependent upon

Answer 23

Urine pH

Question 24

Who is most likely at risk of death after consuming cocaine?

Answer 24

an older adult in his 70s

Question 25

Cocaine is used medically

Answer 25

as an anesthetic

Question 26

Formication is defined as

Answer 26

the feeling of insects crawling under the skin

Question 27

What is the pharmacodynamic mechanism of methylphenidate?

Answer 27

Blocks DA reuptake, increases DA release, stimulates DA receptors

Question 28

Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of

Answer 28

DA and NE