[PCOL and TOXICOLOGY] Substance of Abuse

Stimulants

• "uppers,"

• reverse the effects of fatigue on both mental and physical tasks.

• Nicotine - tobacco products

• Caffeine - coffee, tea, some soft drinks, and many non-prescription medicines

Nicotine

Nicotiana tobacum

nicotinic cholinergic receptor agonist

1 drop is fatal

strong psychological and physiological dependence (more addictive than heroin and cocaine)

inc. dopamine

SIDS, carcinogenic

Caffeine

(1,3,7-trimethylxanthine)

xanthine alkaloid from Coffea arabica

adenosine receptors

low chance of abuse and addiction

5 cups/ day

Inhalants

anesthetic gases

industrial solvents

aerosol propellants

organic nitrites (sinisinghot, nahahigh)

Inhalants

psychoactive effects

alcohol-like intoxications, hallucinations,

hypoxia, pneumonia, cardiac fauilure

headache, nausea,

vomiting, slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, wheezing

Anesthetics

difficulty in concentrating, dreaminess, euphoria, numbness, tingling

N20= 35% used; 100% death

ether & chloroform

Ether

can induce loss of consciousness

Industrial Solvents

gasoline, toluene, benzene, trichloro-ethylene

5-15min

euphoria, "drunk" feeling, disorientation slow passage of time

Eg. Glue, correction fluid, gas

Organic Nitrites

amyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite

dizziness, rapid heart rate, lowered BP, "speeding," flushing of skin

enhance, prolong erection

Organic Nitrites

Toxicities:

Liver, kidney, peripheral nerve, and brain damage, bone marrow suppression, pulmonary disease, death

Anabolic Steroids

cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthre e ring

bone growth, appetite, puberty, muscle growth

Schedule III

change in libido, irritability, violence, mood swings, forgetfulness, confusion, fatigue, depressed mood, craving for steroids

Anabolic Steroids

hypertrophied muscles, acne, oily skin, hirsutism in females, gynecomastia in males, needle punctures,

high LDL; low HDL, elevated liver function

Can have hallucinogenic effects