drugs of abuse pathology

MDMA (Ecstasy)

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a psychedelic amphetamine that causes catecholamine release and prevents catecholamine reuptake.

Psychological effects of MDMA

Includes empathy, feelings of comfort, and increased sex drive.

Physiological effects of MDMA

Includes excessive sweating, dehydration, hypoglycemia, and fluid loss.

Street forms of MDMA

Commonly seen as 'Motorola' Ecstasy Tablets, with distinct tablet types identified.

Xylazine

A veterinary sedative with analgesic and muscle relaxant properties, originally used in veterinary medicine.

Methamphetamine

A potent stimulant with various street names including Meth, Crystal Meth, Ice, Speed, Crank, and Tweak.

Precursor chemicals for Methamphetamine production

Includes pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, red phosphorus, and iodine.

Cardiovascular effects of Methamphetamine

Produces vasoconstriction, contraction band necrosis of the myocardium, and coronary artery disease.

Primary mechanism of death from Heroin (Opiates)

Respiratory depression.

Fentanyl

A powerful opioid approximately 50× more potent than heroin, known for its high overdose risk.

Common methods of fentanyl abuse

Includes freezing patches, cutting them into fragments, and injecting or smoking the contents.

Opiate-related pulmonary findings

Includes pulmonary edema caused by hypoxia and increased vascular permeability.

Characteristic of track marks in IV drug users

Rope-like scars resulting from repeated injections, usually found at the antecubital fossa.

Definition of skin popping

A subcutaneous injection occurring when veins are inaccessible due to repeated use.

Crack cocaine

Smoked form of cocaine known for causing pulmonary injuries due to hot smoke exposure.

Mechanism of action for cocaine

Blocks reuptake of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, leading to catecholamine surges.

Histological finding in cocaine use

Contraction band necrosis of the myocardium, indicating microscopic heart muscle injury.

Effects of chronic snorting of cocaine

Causes reduced blood flow, tissue necrosis, and potential septal perforation.

Septal perforation

A hole in the nasal septum often caused by chronic cocaine use.

Saddle nose deformity

Collapse of the nasal bridge due to chronic cocaine abuse.