Drugs Flashcards
(26 cards)
Psychoactive Drugs
substances that affect the nervous system (brain, spinal chord, nerves)
Stimulants
(aka amphetamines) substances that promote an increase in the activity of a body system or function. They alleviate fatigue and produce a feeling of mental alertness and well being.
Examples of Stimulants
cocaine crack whites crystal meth amphetamine greenies nicotine ephedrine
What brain centers do stimulants affect?
Cerebral Cortex (memory and reasoning)
Hypothalamus (appetite, sleep, emotions)
Cerebellum (motor skills, balance)
Neurotransmitters
dopamine seratonin endorphin acetyl-chlorine epinepherine oxytocin
Desired effects of stimulants
euphoria (an intense feeling of well being)
Side effects of stimulants
vaso constrictor headaches vomiting possible heart attack possible liver damage nasal problems if snorted (nose bleeds, loss of sense of smell, hole in nasal septum) pregnant woman expose fetal damage
Medicinal use of stimulants
ADD
weight loss
vaso constrictor
Depressants
substances that reduce activity of a body system or function. Sedatives that slow heart rate, breathing, ease stress, make you sleep. Physically and psychologically addicting.
Tranquilizers
calm emotions without changing ability to think or be alert
Barbiturates
stronger than tranquilizers, causes relaxation, euphoria, sleep
Hypnotics
stronger than barbiturates with similar but more extreme effects. (quaalude, valium)
Example of depressants
rohypnd (date rape drug)
alcohol
anesthetics
reds
Medicinal use
painkiller produces sleep anti-convulsant relieve tension and stress muscle relaxer
Side effects of depressants
drowsiness lethargy addiction overdose combing depressants (ex.- alcohol and valium) are very dangerous because the effects are unpredictable
Narcotics
a drug that induces stupor, insensibility, and relieves pain. The root of the word (narc) means to numb.
Medical use of narcotics
pain killer
Side effects of narcotics
sleep
constipation
overdose
addiction
Opium based narcotics (from least strong to strongest)
codeine vicodine percodan morphine dilaudid heroin - not used in medicine, easiest to overdose
Methadone
synthetic narcotic. Given once daily at clinics in liquid from or injected. Used to break the addiction to other narcotics. It blocks the withdrawal symptoms without giving a high.
Oxycotin
synthetic form of time - released morphine. For patients with ongoing pain management needs.
Hallucinogens
drugs that produce imaginary visions in the brain.
Side effects of hallucinogens
vomiting dizziness tingling anxiety sweating dilated pupils loss of coordination tremors alterations in sight alterations in hearing alterations in other senses psychotic effects depression confusion *no medicinal values
Examples of hallucinogens
LSD
psilocybin - “magic” mushroom
peyote/mescaline - cactus/hallucinogen in peyote
PCP