Stimulants and Depressants Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to stimulants and depressants discussed in the lecture, aiding in exam preparation.

Stimulant

A substance that increases physiological or nervous activity in the body.

Depressant

A substance that reduces physiological or nervous activity in the body.

Withdrawal

Physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing the intake of a drug or substance.

Tolerance

A state in which a person requires more of a drug to achieve the same effect due to repeated use.

Amphetamines

A category of CNS stimulants that stimulate the release of norepinephrine and dopamine.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

A mental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of drowsiness and sleep during normal waking hours.

Methylphenidate

A CNS stimulant primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Anorexiants

Drugs that suppress appetite, typically used for weight loss.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs that enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA and are used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Melatonin Agonists

Drugs that target melatonin receptors to regulate sleep cycles.

Spinal Anesthesia

A form of regional anesthesia that involves injecting anesthetic into the subarachnoid space.

Balanced Anesthesia

A combination of medications used to achieve the desired level of anesthesia for procedures.

Sedative-Hypnotics

Drugs used to induce sedation or sleep.