The action of psychoactive drugs Flashcards
What are the acute effects of alcohol on the brain
Acts as an allosteric modulator of the GABA receptor which enhances flow of Cl- receptors
Inhibits NMDA (glutamate receptor)
Acute effect of alcohol in the brain- Impact of inhibition of NDMA receptor
Indirectly affects the neurotransmission of serotonin, opioids and dopamine systems (increasing mesolimbic dopamine transmission via action at cannabinoid receptor)
Long-term effects of consuming alcohol on general health
Leads to Liver cirrhosis, Cancer, Fetal alcohol syndrome
Long term effects of consuming alcohol on the brain
Korsakoff’s syndrome, tremor seizures, rebound hyperexcitability
Routes of admission of cocaine
Snorted (absorbed through nasal mucous membrane) or inhaled
Effects of cocaine on the body
Stimulating effects such as increased heart rate, increased temperature, effects on blood pressure
Mechanism of action of cocaine
Indirect dopamine agonist
Effects of cocaine on the brain
Blocks dopamine transporter, reduces reuptake, prolongs duration in the synapse
Long term effects of chronic cocaine use
Cardiovascular damage, Lung congestion (smoking), Damaged nasal membranes (Snorting), Psychosis, Formication
Two types of amphetamines
d-amphetamines and methamphetamines
Route of administration of amphetamines
Swallowing, snorting, injecting or inhaling
Which type of amphetamine enters the brain more easily and why
methamphetamine, is more liquid soluble so can cross membranes such as blood-brain barrier more easily
Acute effects of amphetamine use
Initial effects of euphoria and decreased tiredness followed by irritability, paranoia and tremors
Long term effects of amphetamine use
Psychosis
Effects of amphetamine use on the brain
Stimulates the release of dopamine and noradrenaline and blocks reuptake
