SUD 7

Question 1

What is the AKT1 gene and how does it affect your risk of developing psychosis in response to MJ?

Answer 1

AKT1 gene governs and enzyme that regulated Dopamine. IF you have AKT1 c/c variant, then you are 7x more likely to develop psychosis with MJ.

Question 2

What is the function of COMT gene as it pertains to psychosis?

Answer 2

COMT gene governs an enzyme that breaks down Dopamine. You can have Met/Met, Met/Val or Val/Val….the more Val variant you have the greater chance of developing Schizophrenia if used Mj as an adolescent.

Question 3

What are the two well studied genes that imparts increased risk of psychosis in marijuana use?

Answer 3

AKT1 gene (c/c variant)

AND

COMT gene (met/val and val/val variants)

Question 4

What are the classic symptoms of stimulant withdrawal?

Answer 4

1. Fatigue
2. Vivid, unpleasant dreams
3. Increased appetite
4. psychomotor retardation or agitation

Question 5

What is the main mechanism of action of Cocaine, in what area of brain?

Answer 5

Transient increase in DA levels in dopaminergic neurons from Ventral Tegmental area to the nucleus accumbent by blocking DA repuptake

Question 6

What is the inactive metabolite of cocaine that is detected in Urine Drug test?

Answer 6

BE (benzoylecgonine)

Question 7

Are there any FDA approved medications for cocaine use disorder?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

Although not supported by evidence, athletes who abuse anabolic steroids employ what three strategies to reduce unwanted SE and maximize effect.

Answer 8

Cycling - Taking for a period, then stopping, then restarting

Stacking - taking several different types at once.

Pyramiding- slowly increasing dose and frequency, then tapering it back down.

Question 9

What are the potential SEs of Anabolic Steroids that both men and women share?

Answer 9

• HA
• Acne
• Stroke/MI/blood clots
• Liver and Kidney damage
• Mood swings, rage, aggression
• Impotence
• Joint problem
• Increase tendon injury

Question 10

What SE of anabolic steroids are unique to women vs men?

Answer 10

Women (masculinization)

• Facial/body hair
• Enlarged clitoris
• Decreased breasts
• Menstrual irregularity
• Deep voice

Men (feminization)

• Breasts
• Shrinking testicles
• Enlarged prostate
• Decreased sperm count
• Baldness