Overview of Psychostimulants: Cocaine and Amphetamines

Cocaine

Derived from Erythroxylon coca plant.

Amphetamines

Synthetic stimulants for various medical uses.

Pharmacokinetics

Study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism.

Pharmacodynamics

Effects of drugs on biological systems.

Tolerance

Reduced response to a drug after repeated use.

Neuroadaptations

Brain changes due to substance use.

Cocaine History

Used for 5,000-2,000 years; Freud's studies.

Cocaine Half-life

0.5 to 1.5 hours in the body.

Cocaine + Alcohol

Forms coca ethylene during metabolism.

Monoamine Re-uptake Transporters

Proteins that regulate neurotransmitter levels.

Cocaine Mechanism of Action

Blocks dopamine reuptake, increasing its levels.

Crack Cocaine

Freebase form, can be smoked.

Stereotypy

Repetitive behaviors, like grooming in rodents.

Sympathomimetic Effects

Mimics sympathetic nervous system activation.

Acute Cocaine Effects

Includes heart failure, stroke, and seizures.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Last 1-10 weeks; includes anhedonia.

Amphetamine History

First synthesized in 1887 for asthma treatment.

Amphetamine Half-life

7-30 hours, longer than cocaine.

Amphetamine Psychosis

Psychotic symptoms resembling schizophrenia.

DA Exocytosis

Dopamine release from neurons.

Methamphetamine Neuroadaptations

Damages dopamine and serotonin axons.

Methylphenidate

Ritalin; used for ADHD treatment.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Releases dopamine and serotonin, mild hallucinations.

ADHD Symptoms

Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity in children.

PFC Functions

Maintains attention, vigilance, and cognitive processes.

Dexedrine

D-amphetamine used for ADHD treatment.

Strattera

Atomoxetine; non-stimulant ADHD medication.

Behavioral Therapies

Non-drug approaches to treat substance abuse.

Hyperactivity

General increase in motor output

Epigenetic Studies

Dysregulated/malfunctioning of the following in PFC

Cathinone

Khat Plant