Street drugs (Lecture 20) Flashcards
Which receptors does THC bind to?
CB1 and CB2 receptors,
Specifically CB1R in CNS
How does the reward pathway form?
VTA -> Nucleus Accumbens -> Prefrontal cortex
What’s the duration of psychoactive effects for THC
3-6 hours
How is THC metabolites excreted?
Biliary excretion
How can edibles increase OD risk?
The slow onset of action may cause individuals to take more THC
How do opioids work?
They inhibit GABA release -> GABA is inhibitor to dopamine release -> Disinhibition causes increased dopamine release
What are the morphine effects on the body? (5 HERPR)
- Higher threshold and tolerance for pain
- Respiratory depression & sedation
- Euphoria
- Pupil constriction, Nausea
- Reduce GI motility
What is vicodan
Hydrocordone + acetaminophen
Heroine lipid solubility
More lipophilic than morphine
Duration of action for heroin
4 hours
What are the effects of Heroin
- Euphoria
- Sedation, Respiratory depression
- Pupil constriction
- Constipation, Nausea
What type of synthesis is Heroin?
Semi-synthetic
What are the 2 synthetic opioids
Oxycontin and Fentanyl
What type of drug is benzodiazepine?
CNS depressant
Why is Benzodiazepine given for alcohol addicts?
Alcohol is a CNS depressant -> Sudden stop of alcohol leads to low inhibition of CNS -> Hyperexcitability and agitation
If given Benzodiazepines -> It dampens this affect
How does ketamine work?
NMDA receptor antagonist (NMDA is excitatory on glutamate), leading to analgesic and calming effects
How is ketamine used?
Through snorting or IM injection
how do amphetamines work?
- Prevent reuptake of dopamines and norepinephrine
- release dopamine and norepinephrine
half life of amphetamines
12-18 hrs
Peripheral actions (Side effects) of amphetamines
- Loss of apetite
- Increased blood pressure with bradycardia
- High doses causing cardiac arrhythmia
Mechanisms of methamphetamines
Increase NE, DA, 5HT and also not easy removal of them (same as amphetamins but more pronounced)
Dangers of methamphetamines
Neurotoxicity caused by severe stimulation of DA (Dopamine) and SERT (Seratonin) pathways
half life of meth
10 hrs
Mechanisms of cocaine
- Blocks the reuptake of dopamine, NE and serotonin from synaptic cleft
- Blocks voltage gated Na+ channels (local anesthesia)
