MCAT Consciousness Altering Drugs

Depressants

reduce nervous system activity, resulting in a sense of relaxation and reduced anxiety

Alcohol

increases activity of GABA receptor; brain inhibition; diminished arousal at moderate doses; disinhibition; increases dopamine levels- mild euphoria; logical reasoning and motor skills are affected; depressant

Sedatives

depress CNS activity; cause calm, relaxation, and drowsiness

Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines

sedatives; anxiety reducing and sleep medications; increase GABA activity; can be highly addictive

Stimulants

increase arousal of the nervous system; increase frequency of action potentials

Amphetamines

increase arousal by increasing release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin at the synapse and decreasing their reuptake; increases arousal, reduction in appetite, decreased need for sleep; euphoria, being on edge, anxiety, delusions of grandeur, paranoia

Cocaine

acts on dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin synapses, decreases reuptake of the neurotransmitters; Anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties

Ecstasy

hallucinogen combined with amphetamine; increased HR, BP, blurry vision, sweating, nausea, and hyperthermia; feelings of euphoria, increased alertness, and an overwhelming sense of well being and connectedness

Opioids and Opiates

endorphin agonists and cause a decreased reaction to pain and a sense of euphoria; morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, heroin, oxycodone

Hallucinogens

cause introspection, distortions of reality, fantasy, enhancement of sensory experiences; increase HR, BP, dilation of pupils, sweating, increased temp; LSD, ketamine, shrooms;

Marijuana

THC is the active chemical; acts on cannabinoid receptors, glycine receptors, and opioid receptors; inhibits GABA activity, increases dopamine activity; stimulant, depressant, hallucinogen.