Two Minute Neuroscience: Amphetamine, Barbiturates, and Cannabis Pharmacology

Vocabulary flashcards covering stimulant pharmacology (amphetamine), barbiturates, withdrawal/dependence, opioid potency, and cannabis ingestion methods discussed in the lecture.

Amphetamine

A stimulant drug used to treat ADHD; it increases synaptic levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by entering neurons via monoamine transporters and promoting release after disrupting vesicular storage (via VMAT2).

VMAT2

Vesicular monoamine transporter 2; transports monoamines into synaptic vesicles; inhibited by amphetamine, raising cytosolic monoamines and enabling reverse transport.

Monoamines

Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—the CNS neurotransmitters involved in mood, arousal, and reward.

Adderall

A brand-name ADHD medication containing amphetamine salts.

Stimulant

A drug class that increases central nervous system activity; e.g., amphetamine, used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Barbiturates

A class of sedative-hypnotics used historically for sleep and anxiety; produce relaxation and intoxication and carry dependence and withdrawal risks.

Sedative-hypnotic

A drug that calms (sedative) and/or induces sleep (hypnotic); barbiturates are an example.

Drug dependence

A state in which stopping or reducing the drug is difficult due to neuroadaptations, potentially leading to withdrawal.

Withdrawal

Uncomfortable physical/psychological symptoms that occur after stopping chronic drug use (e.g., irritability during detox).

Detoxing

The process of removing a drug from the body, often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin

A potent opioid; typically 2–4 times stronger than morphine in potency.

Morphine

A standard potent opioid analgesic used as a baseline for comparing narcotic strength.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis; blood THC levels vary with the method of ingestion.

Baked (edibles) cannabis

Cannabis ingested by consuming baked goods; can lead to higher THC blood levels depending on dose.

Vaping cannabis

Inhaling vaporized cannabis oil; associated with higher THC levels in the bloodstream and a stronger high than smoking the same amount.