TEXAS LCDC EXAM PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE

Practice flashcards for the Texas LCDC Pharmacology Exam, identifying drug classes, intoxication signs, medications, and neurotransmitters.

Stimulants (Examples)

Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine (Adderall)

Depressants (Examples)

Alcohol, Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), Barbiturates

Opioids (Examples)

Heroin, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl

Hallucinogens (Examples)

LSD, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), PCP, Ketamine

Cannabis (Examples)

Marijuana, Hashish

Inhalants (Examples)

Glue, Paint Thinner, Aerosol Sprays, Nitrous Oxide

Methadone

A full Opioid Agonist used for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment that reduces withdrawal and cravings; must be dispensed through a licensed OTP.

Naloxone

An Opioid Antagonist used for emergency Opioid Overdose Reversal; it rapidly restores breathing and is categorized as 'NOW!' for emergency use.

Buprenorphine

A partial Opioid Agonist used for OUD Treatment that reduces withdrawal and cravings; it features a 'ceiling effect' that lowers overdose risk.

Naltrexone

An Opioid Antagonist used for long-term relapse prevention (Alcohol and Opioids) that blocks opioid effects; categorized as 'NEXT!' and requires being opioid-free before starting.

Disulfiram

An Alcohol Deterrent that causes an unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat) if alcohol is consumed, creating an alcohol aversion.

Acamprosate

An Alcohol Recovery Medication that helps maintain abstinence from alcohol by restoring chemical balance in the brain.

Dopamine

The 'Reward Chemical' responsible for reward, pleasure, motivation, and craving.

GABA

The 'Brake Pedal'; an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity to slow things down.

Glutamate

The 'Gas Pedal'; an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases brain activity to speed things up.

Serotonin

'Serenity'; a neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood, sleep, and appetite.

Endorphins

'Endogenous' opioids; the body's own chemicals for natural pain relief and well-being.

Norepinephrine

'Notice / Alert'; a neurotransmitter responsible for alertness, arousal, and stress response.

Life-Threatening Withdrawals

Withdrawals from Alcohol and Benzodiazepines, which can cause seizures, hallucinations, DTs (Delirium Tremens), and death.

Signs of Opioid Overdose

Pinpoint pupils, slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingernails, and an inability to be awakened.

Opioid Overdose Response Steps

$1$. Call $911$ immediately; $2$. Administer Naloxone; $3$. Stay with the person; $4$. Give rescue breaths; $5$. Lay on side (recovery position).

Counselor Priority Order

$1$. Protect Client Safety (Always the #$1$ priority); $2$. Address Immediate Risk; $3$. Refer for Medical Evaluation; $4$. Stay Within Scope of Practice.

$1-10-24$ Rule

An active recall strategy to review notes $1$ hour later, $10$ hours later, and $24$ hours later.

Pupil Reactions by Drug Class

Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Cannabis, and Inhalants cause Dilated pupils; Opioids cause Pinpoint pupils; Depressants typically result in Normal pupils.