Depressants, Stimulants, Nicotine and Caffeine, Opioids - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from notes on depressants, stimulants, nicotine and caffeine, and opioids.

Depressants

Drugs that suppress the central nervous system activity.

Alcohol

A depressant that decreases reaction time and visual acuity, lowers alertness, and reduces behavioral control.

Barbiturates

A class of depressant drugs used to produce sedation or sleep; part of the depressant category.

Benzodiazepines

A class of CNS depressants used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase overall levels of neural activity.

Cocaine

A stimulant drug that increases neural activity and may cause elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia.

Amphetamine

A stimulant drug that increases neural activity and alertness.

MDMA

A stimulant drug that increases neural activity and can heighten energy and sociability; side effects can include nausea, anxiety, and paranoia.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron.

Presynaptic cell

The neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness and arousal by antagonizing adenosine receptors.

Nicotine

A stimulant found in tobacco products that interacts with acetylcholine receptors (nicotinic receptors).

Opioids

Drugs that act on the endogenous opioid system to produce analgesia; widely used for pain relief and have high abuse potential.

Heroin

An illegal, highly addictive opioid with potent analgesic effects.

Morphine

A powerful opioid analgesic derived from opium.

Methadone

A synthetic opioid used for pain management and in treatment of opioid dependence.

Codeine

A less potent opioid analgesic used to relieve pain and cough.