alcohol + the nervous system Flashcards
(21 cards)
what does alcohol / ethanol do to dopamine release and what does this cause
enhances its release
rewarding brain effects
at doses <50mg/dL what does alcohol do
activates arousal mechanisms in the brain stem reticular formation
where is alcohol a positive allosteric modulator and what does it cause
at GABA receptors (low concentrations nM-uM)
depressive effect on the CNS
at higher doses >300-350mg/dL what does alcohol do
sedation / respiratory depression
at which concentration can death occur
400mg/dL
what is the mesocorticolimbic pathway
- increased ethanol
- ventral tegmental area - Glu + GABA –> morphine, ethanol firing decreases
GABA + DA – increased ethanol firing - nucleus accumbens - in DA increases
drink drive limit in Scotland
0.05%
drink drink limit in england
0.08%
0.16% =
nausea
0.2% =
confusion, blackouts
0.25%
severe impairment of cognitive, sensory and motor function
0.35%
sedation
0.4%
coma, death
alcohol interactions with anaesthetics
chronic alcohol consumptions = cross tolerance, increased doses are needed for same effect
alcohol interactions with tricyclic antidepressants
chronic alcohol consumption can increase bioavaliability can increase sedative side effects
alcohol interactions with opioids
increase in side effects and sedation
alcohol interaction with NSAIDS
increased risk of GI ulceration
alcohol interaction with insulin + SURs
increased hypoglycaemia risk
alcohol interaction with anti epileptic drugs
acute alcohol = increased bioavaliablitity and side effects
chronic alcohol consumption = increased metabolism of AEDs = increased seizure frequency
alcohol interaction with antibiotics
headaches, tachycardia + fainting
alcohol interaction with warfrin
acute alcohol = increased bioavailability + risk of bleeding
chronic alcohol consumption = increased metabolism and lowered efficacy
