Final Exam Review: Psychostimulants and Hallucinogens

This set of flashcards provides key concepts related to psychostimulants and hallucinogens, focusing on definitions, historical context, pharmacological effects, and implications of use and withdrawal.

What are psychostimulants and what effects do they produce?

Psychoactive drugs that produce a temporary increase in mental function, alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion.

What are examples of psychostimulants?

Cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine.

What is cocaine and where is it derived from?

Cocaine is a psychoactive alkaloid isolated from the leaves of the coca shrub Erythroxylum Coca.

What was the historical use of coca leaves in South America?

Traditionally chewed with lime to decrease acid hydrolysis for stimulant effects; used for thousands of years.

How did cocaine use change after the Spanish conquest?

Initial prohibition of coca use was lifted when it was noted that indigenous slaves worked harder when allowed to use coca.

What are some of the subjective effects of cocaine?

Euphoria, increased energy, decreased appetite, heightened sexual interest, and increased sociability.

What are the common physiological effects of cocaine?

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, seizures, and potential for stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.

What is the connection between cocaine and crack cocaine?

Crack cocaine is a form that can be smoked and is chemically altered to allow for inhalation.

What is the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) regarding cocaine?

Cocaine's amphipathic nature allows it to rapidly cross the BBB, leading to quick psychoactive effects.

What mechanism does cocaine primarily act on in the brain?

Cocaine is a SNDRI (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor), leading to increased neurotransmitter levels in the synapse.

What results from cocaine withdrawal?

Withdrawal is marked by psychological symptoms including crash, depression, and cravings rather than severe physiological symptoms.

What physiological complications result from acute cocaine overdose?

Seizures, cardiovascular issues like stroke or arrhythmias, and hyperthermia.

How is cocaine metabolized in the body?

Through esterases in the liver and may form cocaethylene when alcohol is present.

What are the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE)?

Correlates with risks of premature birth, lower birth weight, and potential developmental deficits.

What pharmacological treatments exist for cocaine addiction?

Dopamine receptor antagonists, antidepressants, and vaccines aimed at reducing the effects of cocaine.

What is one of the major concerns regarding nicotine?

Nicotine dependence develops quickly, with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and irritability.

What is the mechanism of action of caffeine in the brain?

Caffeine acts by antagonizing adenosine receptors, reducing drowsiness and increasing alertness.

What characterizes hallucinogens?

A broad category of drugs that cause perceptual and cognitive distortions without toxic delirium.

What is the primary active compound in psilocybin mushrooms?

Psilocybin is metabolized in the body to psilocin, which has psychoactive effects.

How does LSD affect neurotransmitter systems?

LSD primarily acts as an agonist at the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor.

What are common effects experienced during a hallucinogenic trip?

Altered perception of time, visual distortions, and synesthesia.

What is the risk of dependence on hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin?

Hallucinogens do not demonstrate dependence or craving and users do not self-administer these drugs compulsively.

What adverse psychological effects can hallucinogens cause?

Bad trips can induce acute anxiety or panic, often managed with supportive care.

What did the MKUltra program involve?

CIA experiments with mind control, including the effects of LSD on unsuspecting individuals.