PHAR100 MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
What are the effects of short-term use of amphetamines? - ANSWER - changes in BP,
fainting
-heart attack, cardiovascular collapse
-increased breathing rate
-overdose can cause seizure, high fever, stroke
What are the effects of long-term use of amphetamines? - ANSWER -chronic sleep
disturbances
-poor appetite
-anxiety, repetitive behavior
-psychoses, aggressive behavior
-high BP and abnormal heart rhythm
What drugs might be desired to terminate amphetamines' toxic actions? Is this safe? -
ANSWER benzodiazepines, opioids; can lead to additional problems
What is the therapeutic use of amphetamines? -ANSWER-for narcolepsy-for ADHD-can
increase attention span and performance
What amphetamine is used therapeutically and for what reason? -ANSWER
methylphenidate (Ritalin) due to a lower incidence of cardiovascular and appetite
suppressing affects compared to amphetamine
In what ways are amphetamines administered? -ANSWER oral, injected, smoked,
snorted/sniffed
What is the abuse potential for amphetamines? -ANSWER-high abuse liability due to a
,powerful euphoric feeling
-injectable forms permit rapid and intense response
-perceived intrinsic toxicity resulting from long term toxicities does not appear to be a
deterrent to use
What reinforces amphetamine addiction? - ANSWER -the euphoria ("rush") reinforces
-users become dependent upon the drugs effect and if they cannot get it will panic
What are the symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal? - ANSWER -mood depression
-prolonged sleep, fatigue
-increased appetite
What is cocaine? -ANSWER a local anesthetic and CNS stimulant that has the ability to
create a euphoria that features enhanced alertness and a tremendous sense of
well-being
What happens when alcohol and cocaine are taken together? -ANSWER the metabolite
cocaethylene is produced; increase in euphoria, but also dangerous increase in BP,
aggressive/violent thoughts, poor judgement
What does cocaine do to the CNS? -ANSWER same as amphetamines, only has shorter
duration of action-1hr for cocaine, 12hrs for amphetamines, produces euphoria,
intensifies sensation, mood swings, suppression of appetite
What are the therapeutic uses of cocaine? -ANSWER -only as a local anesthetic of
mouth and throat
-rarely used-public dependence liability has resulted in development of better drugs
What is the mechanism of action of cocaine in the CNS? -ANSWER inhibits reuptake of
dopamine and serotonin, increasing the concentration and the activation of their
receptors
,What are the effects of long-term cocaine use?- ANSWER -paranoia and
psychosis-feeling of insects under skin
-impaired sexual function
-possible permanent brain damage/impairment of neuronal function
-high BP and irregular heart rate
-changes in nasal mucous membrane drug is sniffed
What is the abuse potential of cocaine? -ANSWER- high abuse liability powerful euphoria
achieved quickly by smoking or injecting
-inherent harmfulness is in physical and psychological deficits, but doesn't deter users
To what effects of cocaine does tolerance develop or not develop? -ANSWER- develops
to mood elevating effects
-does not develop readily to psychotic, hallucinatory, and behavioral effects -compared
to amphetamines
What causes cocaine addiction? - ANSWER pleasurable/rewarding behavioural effects
reinforce repeated use
What is the symptomology of cocaine withdrawal? - ANSWER same as with
amphetamines mood depression, long sleep, fatigue, increased appetite
What is the cost of tobacco use to Canadian society? - ANSWER -45 000 canadians die
annually of tobacco use most preventable cause of death and disease in Canada
-9.5-12.3 billion $/year
Why did tobacco use increase between 1940 and 1970? - ANSWER It was considered
"cool" to smoke
, What is nicotine? - ANSWER an addictive, naturally occurring chemical found in tobacco
Explain ADME of nicotine. - ANSWER -A: small particles in cigarette smoke are rapidly
absorbed by lungs (also GI tract, oral mucous membrane, skin); dose can be controlled
by depth of inhalation and frequency of smoking
D: diffuses thru the body and into the brain quickly
M: quickly metabolized by the liver
E: metabolites excreted in urine
What is the half-life of nicotine? ANSWER 2 hrs
What is the mechanism of action of nicotine in the CNS? ANSWER Stimulates nicotinic
receptors due to similar structure to acetylcholine
Activation of nicotinic receptors increases psychomotor (activity of the brain-body)
activity, cognition, attention, memory
At high doses agitation, trembles seizures
-effects mediated to a certain extent by the release of dopamine and serotonin
What are some therapeutic uses for nicotine? -ANSWER- the only therapeutic use is to
stop smoking-alone and administered in other ways, such as gum, transdermal patches,
buccal spray
-this keeps nicotine in the blood for satisfaction of cravings and allows tapering of dose
What are the acute effects of smoking in a non-smoker? ANSWER-dizziness, headache
nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping
gagging/coughing
What are the short-term effects of smoking in a regular user? - ANSWER -mild euphoria
-increased arousal and concentration