7. Amphetamines and Cocaine: An Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the pharmacology and history of amphetamines and cocaine as discussed in the provided lecture notes.

Psychomotor Stimulants

A large class of diverse compounds that stimulate alertness and motor activity.

Amphetamines

Compounds that share structural similarities with catecholamines and are known for their stimulating effects.

Cocaine

An alkaloid derived from the leaves of the Erythroxylon coca plant, known for its stimulant properties.

Cathinone

A naturally occurring stimulant found in khat leaves, associated with increased heart rate and euphoria.

Ephedrine

A compound used in traditional medicine, primarily for asthma treatment, that constricts blood vessels.

Phenethylamine

A base structure of amphetamines synthesized in 1887, considered a precursor to various stimulant drugs.

Benzedrine

An early form of amphetamine used for nasal congestion and later prescribed for various medical conditions.

Methamphetamine

A potent central nervous system stimulant synthesized in 1919, noted for its high potential for abuse.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing doses of a drug are required to achieve the same effects, commonly seen in psychostimulants.

Sensitization

An increase in the response to a stimulus after repeated exposures, notably seen with drugs like cocaine.

Withdrawal symptoms

Adverse effects experienced upon cessation of drug use, such as fatigue and anxiety.

Speed

A street name for amphetamines, particularly those derived from illicit sources.

Crack

A form of cocaine that is processed to make it smokable, known for its high purity and rapid effects.

Speedballing

A combination of heroin and cocaine, often used intravenously.

Euphoria

A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness, commonly experienced with stimulant use.

Self-administration

The process by which an individual administers a drug to themselves, often seen in studies with animals.

Sympathomimetic effects

Effects that mimic the sympathetic nervous system, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, often seen with stimulants.

Cocaine hydrochloride

A salt form of cocaine, typically snorted or injected, providing rapid effects.

Catha Edulis

The scientific name for the khat plant, known for its stimulant properties.

Narcolepsy

A chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, treated with stimulant medications.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A mental disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, often treated with stimulants.

Cocaine metabolism

The rapid breakdown of cocaine in the body, leading to a short duration of effects.

Psychostimulants

Compounds that increase mental activity, affect energy levels, and enhance alertness.