Non-Medical CNS Drugs

Question 1

Alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and inhalants are all agonists of what receptor?

Answer 1

GABA-A

Question 2

Name the substance associated with each “alcohol”: methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol.

Answer 2

Methyl alcohol = windshield washer antifreeze
Ethylene glycol = automotive antifreeze
Isopropyl alcohol = rubbing alcohol

Question 3

Methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol can all cause acidosis and CNS problems. Give another effect associated with poisoning by each substance.

Answer 3

Methyl alcohol: blindness
Ethylene glycol: nephrotoxicity
Isopropyl alcohol: gastritis

Question 4

What enzyme does fomepizole inhibit, that makes it ideal for treating methyl alcohol and ethylene glycol poisoning? What is an alternative antidote?

Answer 4

Alcohol dehydrogenase; could also give ethyl alcohol (ex. vodka) and bicarbonate

Question 5

What enzyme does disulfiram (Antabuse) inhibit, that makes it ideal for ethanol aversion therapy? What molecule accumulates in the body?

Answer 5

Aldehyde dehydrogenase; acetaldehyde

Question 6

N-acetylcysteine is used to treat what kind of overdose? What molecule does it regenerate (by supplying sulfhydryl groups) in order to improve microcirculation and decrease inflammation?

Answer 6

Acetominophen overdose; regenerates glutathione

Question 7

What receptor does flunitrazepam act on, and is it an agonist or antagonist? What is the common name for this drug?

Answer 7

GABA-A agonist; “roofies” or date rape drug

Question 8

What is the major neurotransmitter that is upregulated by cocaine, amphetamine, and nicotine?

Answer 8

Dopamine

Question 9

Adderall, Ritalin, Benzedrine, and Desoxyn are all derivatives/analogs of what CNS stimulant?

Answer 9

Amphetamine

Question 10

Ephedrine, cathinone, and MDMA are all derivatives/analogs of what CNS stimulant?

Answer 10

Amphetamine

Question 11

Give the molecular action for cocaine, including the 3 neurotransmitters it affects.

Answer 11

Inhibits reuptake of dopamine, NE, and 5HT

Question 12

Give the molecular action for the amphetamines, including the 3 neurotransmitters they affect.

Answer 12

Release of DA, NE, and 5HT from nerve terminals (indirect sympathomimetic effect)

Question 13

Methyxanthine, theophylline, and theobromine are all related to what CNS stimulant, an antagonist at adenosine “purinergic” receptors?

Answer 13

Caffeine

Question 14

Theophylline, a methyxanthine derivative, is used to treat what disease?

Answer 14

Asthma (relieves bronchoconstriction and reduces inflammation)

Question 15

What is the difference between cocaine and “crack”? Give 3 side effects that can be caused by either substance.

Answer 15

“Cocaine” actually refers to cocaine HCl, while “crack” refers to the free base; can cause sympathetic effects, paranoia, and aggression

Question 16

Amphetamine is approved to treat what 2 diseases?

Answer 16

ADHD and narcolepsy

Question 17

Not that this really matters, but “speedball” refers to a combo of what 2 drugs?

Answer 17

Cocaine and heroin

Question 18

Nicotine activates what receptors in what part of the brain, and what neurotransmitter is released as a result?

Answer 18

nACh receptors in the VTA (ventral tegmental area), causing DA release

Question 19

What receptors in the brain does heroin affect, and is it an agonist or antagonist?

Answer 19

Mu opioid receptor agonist

Question 20

What receptors in the brain does nalmefene affect, and is it an agonist or antagonist?

Answer 20

Mu opioid receptor antagonist (used to treat alcoholism)

Question 21

Mescaline and psilocybin share cross tolerance with what “model hallucinogen”?

Answer 21

LSD

Question 22

LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin all activate what receptors in what part of the brain, and what neurotransmitter is released as a result?

Answer 22

5HT-2a receptors in the Raphe nucleus, causing dopamine release (by decreasing Raphe inhibition of DA release)

Question 23

What family of drugs acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and what kind of receptors are these?

Answer 23

Marijuana / cannabis / THC drugs; CB1 and CB2 are the cannabinoid GPCRs

Question 24

Name the endogenous cannabinoid that is believe to regulate energy balance, lipid and glucose metabolism, and food intake via CB1 receptors.

Answer 24

Anandamide

Question 25

Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic versions of what recreational drug? What are 3 therapeutic uses for these drugs?

Answer 25

Marijuana; used for anti-emesis, anti-nausea, and anti-anorexia

Question 26

What "schedule" are the following drugs rated: LSD, marijuana, dronabinol, nabilone

Answer 26

Schedule I: LSD and marijuana Schedule II: nabilone Schedule III: dronabinol

Question 27

Phencyclidine/PCP is what kind of an anesthetic? What 2 neuroreceptors does it affect and is it an agonist or antagonist at each?

Answer 27

Dissociative anesthetic | NMDA receptor antagonist, mu opioid receptor agonist

Question 28

Comparing MDMA vs. MPTP: which one is "China white" and which is "Ecstasy"? What chemical is each one derived from?

Answer 28

``` MDMA = Ecstasy, derived from amphetamine MPTP = China White, fentanyl derivative ```

Question 29

Comparing MDMA vs. MPTP: which one causes side effects of dehydration, hyperthermia, hypertension, intracerebral hemorrhage, cardiac arrhythmias, and paranoia?

Answer 29

MDMA (MPTP causes full-blown Parkinson's due to substantia nigra damage)

Question 30

What drug acts like a combination of amphetamine, LSD, and fluoxetine (Prozac)?

Answer 30

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Question 31

Comparing LSD vs. PCP: patients on which drug are susceptible to suggestion and can be "talked down" from their anxiety? How should patients on the other drug be treated?

Answer 31

LSD responds to talking; PCP required isolation and diazepam (or haloperidol) administration

Question 32

Comparing LSD vs. PCP: which one would you rather overdose on?

Answer 32

LSD (there are no recorded human overdose deaths)

Question 33

What are 2 therapeutic uses for cocaine?

Answer 33

Topical anesthetic for the URT, and combined vasoconstriction + local anesthetic

Question 34

Aliphatic nitrites are an inhalant that can cause what therapeutic effect in the body, to treat what disease?

Answer 34

Vasodilation, which treats angina (the Viagra-like effects aren't really "therapeutic")