3: Behavioral & Physiological Effects

List some severe behavioral effects of cocaine

Irritability, fear, extreme energy or exhaustion, rambling, decreased sexual interest, total anorexia, disjointed flight of ideas

What are behaviors replaced with at high doses of cocaine

Behaviors are replaced by focused stereotypies which are repeated aimless behaviors performed in an invariant manner, especially orally for animals (licking, biting)

Will animal subjects self administer cocaine

All species willingly self administer even to death

What are the physiological effects of cocaine at low doses

Production of symptoms of sympathetic NS: Increased HR, vasoconstriction, HTN, hyperthermia @ low doses which is uncomfy, but not harmful

What are the physiological effects of cocaine at high doses

Stroke, seizures, heart attack, and intracranial hemorrhage, there is significantly decreased blood flow to the brain

What is the role of DA in cocaine and amphetamine

It mediates behavioral responses to cocaine and amphetamine

What does PET measure

Estimates DAT occupancy after administration of cocaine or methylphenidate

What is methylphenidate

Used as a replacement for cocaine in research on humans so cocaine is not administrated to someone who has never used it.

It is a stimulant used to react ADHD that blocks DA reuptake once the minimum DAT occupancy is obtained and is usually at a high around 40-60%

What are the therapeutic uses of amphetamine

B/C they heighten arousal: narcolepsy

Suppress appetite: obesity

Psychomotor stimulate used to calm kids: ADHD, decreases the ratio of sensory inputs to increase focus