Stimulants, Amphetamines, and Cocaine Flashcards

Stimulants: Mechanisms and Effects

• Stimulants increase dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in synapses by:
  • Affecting neurotransmitter release.
  • Inhibiting reuptake mechanisms.
  • Resulting in hyper-activation of neural pathways.

Effects on the Body

• Stimulants can:
  • Increase attention.
  • Delay sleep.
  • Treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
  • Induce euphoria and a sense of well-being.
  • Increase movement.
  • Cause psychotic-like states.

History of Amphetamines

• Originated from the Chinese herb ma huang.
• Ephedrine isolated in 1887 was used to clear bronchial passageways.
• Use peaked in the mid-60s and was extensive during world wars.

Stimulants and ADHD

• ADHD involves inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Etiology is explained via the Biopsychosocial Model
• Associated with self-regulation and emotional control challenges.
• Adderall affects dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine pathways.

Methamphetamine Production

• Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a necessary ingredient for methamphetamine production.

History of Cocaine

• Derived from the coca shrub in South America.
• Contains about 2% cocaine.
• Named "cocaine" by Alfred Niemann.

Historical Figures and Cocaine

• Sigmund Freud explored cocaine for treating morphine dependence and depression.
• Formication: a stimulant-induced psychosis with tactile hallucinations.
• William Halsted became addicted to cocaine.

Crack Babies

• Cocaine use during pregnancy can:
  • Reduce blood supply to the fetus.
  • Result in brain damage or death.
  • Cause lower birth weights and tremors.
  • Increase risks due to poor nutrition, prenatal care, and stress.

Monoamine Neurotransmitters

• Norepinephrine:
  • Transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Increases blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Relaxes bronchioles.
  • Activates fat breakdown.
• Serotonin:
  • Regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and body temperature.
• Dopamine:
  • Responsible for reinforcement or reward.
  • Causes locomotor activation and euphoria.