Abuse and Addiction Flashcards
What are analgesics?
These are drugs that relieves pain.
What are examples of analgesics?
aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and morphine
What are aspirins?
Aspirin as well as similar drug are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs relieve pain by reducing fever and inflammation.
Mechanism of action of aspirin
This is achieved by blocking the function of prostaglandins.
What is prostaglandins?
A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body.
What is meant by NSAID drugs?
A drug that works in a different way than a steroid to reduce pain, redness, swelling, and fever in the body. They do this by preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins thereby reducing inflammation + the pain associated with it.
What are pyrogens?
Pyrogens (“fire starters”) are released by the white blood cells
in response to an injury or infection.
How do pyrogens operate?
Pyrogens act on the hypothalamus and stimulate both the release of prostaglandins and heat – producing processes in the body.
How does morphine appear to reduce pain?
Attaching to sites called opiod receptors scattered throughout
the CNS and also in the GI tract.
What are the side effects of pain relief when morphine is used?
Sleepiness And a sense of wellbeing
Why does morphine give a pleasurable sensation?
Morphine also interacts with the sites of the brain that are activated by endorphins found in the brain.
What does endorphins mean?
“Endorphins” means “endogenous morphine”. As a result of its mimicry of endorphins, morphine can produce pleasurable sensations and euphoria.
What are depressants?
These are a class of drug that depresses the function of the CNS generally.
What are some effect of taking depressants?
Slowed heartbeat , reduction in anxiety, and in some cases the
promotion of sleep.
What are some examples of depressants?
Barbiturates, tranquilizers, sleep acids, and ethanol
