EDITION EXAMNINATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Amphetamines and cocaine are: - two classes of colon CNS stimulant drugs that have a history of
being Misused.
Amphetamines are drugs of widespread misuse and are ____ in Canada: - controlled substances
Controlled Substances: - This means that their use is restricted to certain medical conditions.
Amphetamines class includes: - amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine.
Amphetamine-related compounds include: - methylphenidate (Ritalin) which is used to treat ADHD;
MDMA (ecstasy): a Derivative of methamphetamine that is often misused. It fosters the feeling of
intimacy and empathy, while improving intellectual capacities. It is neurotoxic, causing neuronal
damage and death. This effect is long lasting, if not permanent.
Chemistry of amphetamines: - Amphetamines are synthetic organic compounds. They are
structurally similar to the endogenous neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They can be
synthesized readily, resulting in the illicit manufacturing of these substances, especially
methamphetamine. The purity of these illicit substances is variable, and may contain side products of
the chemical reaction, unreacted chemicals, and cutting or filler agents which can be dangerous.
The mechanism of action of ecstasy is similar to the amphetamines, but: - it has a preferential effect
on the serotonin-containing neurons, and causes release of serotonin.
The overall effect of the amphetamines is quite standard. In that they increase excitation by -
increasing the amount of dopamine or norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft.
Amphetamines are substrates for - the dopamine transporter.
Dopamine transporter - the transporter that clears dopamine out of the synaptic cleft after
neurotransmission.
, Amphetamines compete with dopamine for the dopamine transporter. And the result is that -
amphetamines end up in the presynaptic nerve.
Once in the nerve, amphetamines block - the vesicular monoamine transporter.
The vesicular monoamine transporter is responsible for - bringing dopamine into vesicles to be
packaged for release when the next nerve impulse arrives.
Since with amphetamines, dopamine is blocked from being packaged into vesicles, there is a large
increase in the concentration of free dopamine in the neuron. This large concentration of dopamine
in the neuron forces the dopamine to - travel through the dopamine transporter in the reverse
direction. Meaning back out into the synaptic cleft.
The result of an increase of dopamine in the synaptic cleft is - an increase in C N S excitation.
Amphetamines have four main effects within the C N S. These effects include: - A decreased
threshold for transmitting sensory input to the cerebral cortex, leading to C N S excitation; A feeling
of euphoria and reward; Temperature-regulation and feeding centre modifications leading to
appetite suppression; An increase in aggressive behaviour and mood swings.
The common amphetamines differ in the magnitude of - their C N S effects.
What effects do you anticipate will be associated with increased C N S excitation? - Increased C N S
excitation will lead to increased alertness, a feeling of power, reduced fatigue, and increased
responsiveness. It will also result in increased heart rate and blood pressure
In addition to C N S effects, amphetamine use has different effects depending on - the duration of
use and whether it is used concurrently with other drugs.
Short-term effects of amphetamine use in non-C N S tissues may include - Chest pain (i.e., angina) or
heart attack; Cardiovascular collapse; Increased respiratory rate
Overdose may result in - a seizure, high fever, or stroke.