Transcript Depressants

Stimulants
L. Scheffler
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Stimulants
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Stimulants are chemical substances
that stimulate the brain and the
central nervous system.
They cause increased alertness and
wakefulness. In many cases they also
act to decrease appetite.
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Sympathomimetic Drugs
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Sympathomimetic drugs are chemical
substances that mimic the effects of
the hormone adrenalin.
Generally cause constriction of the
arteries and increase metabolism.
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Neurotransmitters
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L dopamine
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Neurotransmitters work to
transmit electrical neuroimpulses across a
synapse.
Many stimulants enhance
the neuro-impulse
transmission
systems.
Serotonin
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Stimulants
L Dopamine
The structures of many
stimulants mimic
chemical are closely
related to the
structures of
neurotransmitters or
the body.
Serotonin
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Amphetamines
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Amphetamine was first marketed in the
1930s as Benzedrine, an over-the-counter
inhaler to treat nasal congestion.
It was also used in the treatment of the
sleeping disorder narcolepsy and the
behavioral syndrome called minimal brain
dysfunction (MBD), which today is called
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
During World War II, amphetamines were
used to keep the fighting men going
especially under intense battle conditions.
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Amphetamines
Amphetamines
closely mimic the
chemical structure
of adrenalin.
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Amphetamines
Amphetamines
 constricting arteries, increasing perspiration
activity and stimulating brain activity.
 increased heart rate, blood pressure,
 increase wakefulness, restlessness,
agitation and insomnia. .
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Amphetamines
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Amphetamines became a cure-all for helping
long haul truckers stay awake
Also used for weight control, for helping
athletes to perform better and train longer
Intravenous amphetamine abuse
It became evident that the dangers of abuse
outweighed therapeutic uses.
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Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a powerful
stimulant that has
some characteristics
in common with
adrenalin and Ldopamine as well.
Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the
cells that produce serotonin, which has an important
role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning
and memory.
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Ecstasy - Effects
Attempts to synthesize new
amphetamines led to so
called designer drugs, all of
which are highly dangerous.
Because it mimics LDopamine, it has been
used to relieve
symptoms of
Parkinson’s Disease.
Results in mental
relaxation, increased
sensitivity to stimuli and
hallucinations.
It can be produce fatal
effects even from a
single exposure
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Harmful Effects of
Amphetamines
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highly addictive and toxic
Long term use leads to deterioration of a number
of body systems.
Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that
resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by
paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with
one's own thoughts, and auditory and visual
hallucinations.
Severe depression and violent or erratic behavior
are also common among meth addicts.
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Nicotine
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Nicotine is an
alkaloid found in
the nightshade
family of plants
(Solanaceae)
It constitutes
approximately
0.6–3.0% of dry
weight of tobacco
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Nicotine -Short Term
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Sympathomimetic
Increases
concentration and
relieves tension
Increased heart
rate
Increased blood
pressure
Reduction in urine
output
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Nicotine – Long Term
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Highly addictive
Increased risk of
heart disease and
coronary thrombosis
Increased stomach
acid and risk of
peptic ulcers
Chronic lung disease
Increased risk of
cancer
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Nicotine -- Addiction and
Withdrawal
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Cessation of
smoking difficult
Cravings
Nausea, weight
gain, insomnia,
irritability, and
depression
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Caffeine Characteristics
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Alkaloid
Widely used stimulant
found in coffee and
tea.
Added to some pain
killers to speed up
their effects.
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Caffeine Effects
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Increases alertness,
concentration, and
restlessness
Diuretic
Potential
dependence
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Theobromine
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Theobromine
Found in chocolate
Effects similar to
caffeine.
Structure is similar
to that of caffeine
but the methyl
group on the
nitrogen between
the two carbonyl
groups is missing
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Caffeine
Theobromine
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Theobromine
Theobromine has a bitter
flavor, which gives dark
chocolate its typical bitter
taste.
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Although theobromine
does not cause harmful
effects with humans, it
is highly toxic to some
domestic animals,
including dogs and
horses.
With the animals,
theobromine can lead to
cardiac arrhythmias and
seizures.
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Caffeine