Stimulants Sandy Kulkarni 1
Dec 16, 2015
StimulantsSandy Kulkarni
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StimulantsStimulants are chemical substances that
enhance the activity of 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 DrugsSympathomimetic drugs are chemical
substances that mimic the effects of the hormone, adrenalin.
Generally they cause constriction of the arteries and increase metabolism.
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NeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters work to transmit electrical neuro-impulses across a synapse.
Many stimulants enhance the neuro-impulse transmission systems.
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L dopamine
Serotonin
Stimulants The structures of many
stimulants mimic chemical structures and are closely related to the neurotransmitters found in the body.
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L Dopamine
Serotonin
Amphetamines-Historical Development
Amphetamines were initially developed as a cure-all for helping long haul truckers stay awake
They were also used for weight control, to help athletes to perform better and train longer
As amphetamine abuse became more common, it became evident that the dangers of abuse far outweighed therapeutic uses.
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AmphetaminesAmphetamine 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 act byconstricting arteries, increasing perspiration
activity and stimulating brain activity. increasing heart rate and blood pressure, increasing wakefulness, restlessness, agitation
and insomnia.
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Amphetamines --Harmful Effectshighly addictive and toxicLong 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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Ecstasy Ecstasy is a powerful stimulant that has some characteristics in common with adrenalin and L-dopamine as well.
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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.
Ecstasy - Effects Because it mimics L-
Dopamine, 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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Attempts to synthesize new amphetamines led to so called designer drugs, all of which are highly dangerous.
Nicotine 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 TermSympathomimeticIncreases
concentration and relieves tension
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Reduction in urine output
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Nicotine – Long TermHighly addictiveIncreased risk of
heart disease and coronary thrombosis
Increased stomach acid and risk of peptic ulcers
Chronic lung diseaseIncreased risk of
cancer
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Cessation of
smoking difficultCravings Nausea, weight
gain, insomnia, irritability, and depression
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Nicotine -- Addiction and Withdrawal
AlkaloidWidely used stimulant
found in coffee and tea.Added to some pain
killers to speed up their effects.
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Caffeine Characteristics
Increases alertness, concentration, and restlessness
DiureticPotential dependence
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Caffeine Effects
Found in chocolateEffects 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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Theobromine
Theobromine
Caffeine
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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Theobromine
Theobromine
Caffeine
Theobromine has a bitter flavor, which gives dark chocolate its typical bitter taste.