Transcript Illicit Drugs - Chemistry Outreach 2000

Illicit Drugs
Joseph Marshall
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD 57701
Illicit drugs
Illicit drugs are present in almost every city in
this nation, no mater how small. It seems that the
rewards of using drugs (weather it is of a social
nature, or the result of long term use causing a
physical or psychological dependence) out weigh the
punishment that is possible. There is also a great
economic reward for the manufacture and transport
of such substances. Some users go to great trouble to
hide their use of these substances, while others
openly call attention to it. There is quite a large
culture of use in this country and elsewhere.
Much is still not fully understood about brain
chemistry and the effects of drug use. Some
substances are more understood than others.
However, it seems that much light must be shed on
this matter. Most of the information that was
encountered seemed to be of a “symptomatic” nature,
rather than of a “chemical” nature. Some of these
substances have been around of centuries, such as
cocaine, and some are relatively new, such as PCP,
and MDMA, both developed in the 20th century.
More research and testing is needed in the area
of the chemical effects of these substances and many
more on the human laboratory.
Experiences:
Therapeutic: treatment of obesity, limited.
PCP is a general anesthetic, it causes the user to have no physical
sensation. Hallucinations follow.
Illicit: raises the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, MDMA has varied
effects, and most users have different experiences, this is further
complicated by the occurrence of may different type of MDMA
“formulations” (MDMA mixed or taken with other drugs). The
environment that the user is in as well as the experience that the
user expects to have can cause variances in reported data.
Increased wakefulness.
Effects:
Increased physical activity.
Effects can last up to 24 hours and include:
(PCP continued)
Effects of meth use:
Effects:
Addictive, use leads to compulsive PCP seeking behavior.
It incenses the heart rate.
Incenses the blood pressure.
Some users become self destructive, suicidal.
Some users also become violent.
Sweating occurs in most individuals.
Numbness in the extremities and ataxia similar to alcohol intoxication
may result.
Nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, drooling, loss of balance, and jerky
motions of the eyes may follow the above.
Coma and death can result from high doses.
Effects can seem to be schizophrenia related.
Long term effects include:
Weight loss, depression, and disordered thinking have been reported
years after the end of PCP use by some users.
Comments:
PCP use is on the decline, as it has a reputation as a drug that can
cause more problems than it is worth. Many people after using PCP once will
not knowingly use it again.
Decreased appetite.
Confusion.
Increased respiration.
Sleep problems.
Hyperthermia.
Severe anxiety and paranoia.
Euphoria.
Euphoria and hallucinations.
Paranoia.
The feeling of mental and emotional clarity.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Sensations of lightness and floating.
Damage to blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke.
Depression.
Death, due to cardiovascular collapse.
Sometimes violent and irrational behavior.
Comments:
Muscle tension and Involuntary clenching of teeth.
Both forms addictive, users will increase the dosage and reduce
the time interval between uses.
Nausea.
Research dating back 20 years shows that meth use causes
damage to the neuron cell endings in animals, the sites on the neuron
that accept or exude transmitters. Cells containing dopamine or
serotonin seem to be damaged but do not die, just lose function.
The effects of meth use are long lasting compared to those of
cocaine. A high from cocaine may last for four hours, but with meth it
may last 24 hours. Some destructive behaviors associated with meth
use may last for days if not weeks.
Meth use is on the rise in some of this nation’s cities, such as
Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle.
Phencyclidine (PCP) : (see above)
Also known as: angel dust, ozone, wack, rocket fuel.
Methamphetamine: (see above)
When combined with marijuana: killer joint, and
crystal super grass.
Physical data:
Also known as: crank, meth, speed, and chalk.
Hydrochloride, crystals from 2 propanol melt point
233-235 degrees C.
LD50 in mice, 76.5 mg per kg of body mass.
Known as crystal meth, glass, crystal, batu, and ice.
It can be synthesized from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine,found in
many over-the-counter medications, such as those sold for treatment of
nasal congestion. This is a reduction reaction. Many illegal labs contribute
to it’s production, with sometimes disastrous results.
Physical data:
Produced:
Called N,"-Dimethylbenzeneethanamine.
In illegal laboratories, adding to the dangers already
present in the substance.
Chemical Abstracts number [537-46-2], for hydrochloride [51-57-0]
Crystals of hydrochloride melt point 170-175 degrees C.
Illegally produced material is not always pure, or
exactly what it is assumed to be, toxic by products can make it
in to the final product, leading to worse reactions than just the
PCP alone.
Not soluble in ether.
Discontinued use in humans in 1965 due to the effects
that it is now used illegally for.
Patent held by Park Davis.
The hydrochloride is a depressant, as is the
hydrobromide.
Some analogs are considered hallucinogens.
Use:
Methamphetamine hydrochloride: inhaled by smoking
Methamphetamine: taken orally, snorted in to the nose, intravenous
injection. Produces a 24 hour high.
Experiences:
Most users note (after smoking or injecting) a “rush” or a “flash”
described as an intensely pleasurable feeling. After ingestion orally or by
snorting they note a “high”, not a rush. This is euphoria.
Blurred vision.
Dehydration.
Heart attack and stroke.
Hypertension and kidney failure.
Seizure.
Malignant hyperthermia.
Comments:
The use of ecstasy is on the increase in the US. It can be
manufactured to look like prescription drugs, and can be
purchased for between seven and thirty dollars per pill. There
are a number of herbal compositions sold under the name
herbal ecstasy. They are made with ephedra, a stimulant as a
base, with other materials added for a better “high”. The culture
surrounding MDMA use states that there is no harm done by it,
in spite of the evidence that states the opposite. MDMA use is
popularized in pop culture, and in the rave circuit.
Popular among those attending “raves”. Where it is used
along with other drugs such as marijuana, PCP, LSD, among
others.
An “herbal” form is also found, it contains ephedra and a
few other stimulants, however it contains no MDMA.
Physical data:
Called N,"-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxole-5-ethanamine.
Chemical Abstracts number [69610-10-2], for
hydrochloride [92279-84-0]
It is an oil at room temp, boiling point 100 - 110 degrees C
The hydrochloride forms crystals, melt point 147-148
degrees C from isopropanol/n-hexane
1% solution is slightly acidic or neutral to litmus.
LD50 in mice, 70 mg per kg body mass
Was once used as an anesthetic.
Also known as Adam, XTC, E.
Soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform.
Use:
Snorted, smoked or eaten. Applied to leafy material for
smoking
MDMA (Ecstasy): (see above)
Methamphetamine hydrochloride:
Called 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperdine.
Colorless crystals, melt point of 46-46.5 degrees C.
Experiences with MDMA:
LD50 in mice 97 mg per kg of body mass, 49 mg per kg in
rats,
It has the properties of both a stimulant and a
hallucinogen.
Some resources for further information.
The NIDA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
web page:
www.drugabuse.gov/
Some books on this and related subjects
Perrine, Daniel M. The Chemistry of Mind-Altering Drugs. ACS
Books. Washington, DC, 1996.
Snyder, Solomon H. Drugs and the Brain, Scientific American
Books, New York, New York. 1986.
The structures are from The Merck Index, 12th edition, Editor;
Budavari, Susan. Merck and Co. Whitehouse Station, NJ. 1996.
Patented.
Use:
Taken in pill form.
No legal uses found
Chem 292, Chemistry Outreach
Fall 2000
Dr. David A. Boyles and Dr. M. Steven McDowell