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CHEMISTRY MEDICINES AND DRUGS. STIMULANTS. Stimulants are drugs that > stimulate the brain and the central nervous system > increase the state of mental alertness > decrease appetite. A) Amphetamines B) Caffeine C) Nicotine.
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CHEMISTRY MEDICINES AND DRUGS STIMULANTS
Stimulants are drugs that > stimulate the brain and the central nervous system> increase the state of mental alertness> decrease appetite A) Amphetamines B) Caffeine C) Nicotine
Adrenaline (epinephrine)is a natural stimulant produced in the adrenal gland.> it is released when in stress or fear> it controls - heart/breathing rate - pupil dilation - sweating
AMPHETAMINES • Amphetamines are chemically related to adrenaline. • They both derive from phenylethylamine. • They are sympathomimetic drugs which mimic the effect of stimulation on the nervous system by increasing the levels of dopamine. • Amphetamines were initially used to treat narcolepsy and in WW II were used by soldiers to combat fatigue. • Later during the 50’s and 60’s they were used as slimming pills. • Regular use can lead to both tolerance & dependence.
Short-term effects:- increase in heart rate and breathing- insomnia- dilation of the pupils- decrease in appetite- possible fatigue and depression • Long-term effects:- weight loss - constipation- emotional instability- dependence
Phenylethylamine (love molecule) - “high” feeling of lovers - also found in chocolate
Dopamine Transmits to neurons signals of - joy- happiness- excitement
Amphetamine - stimulant - suppresses appetite - treats narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Methamphetamine (“speed”) - potent stimulant - very addictive- severe withdrawal symptoms - “meth mouth”
Ecstasy - potent stimulant - designer drug- can be fatal - neurotoxic
CAFFEINE • It is the most widely used stimulant in the world. • It is present in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks and is also found in some pain killers or other medicines. • People that consuming 400 mg of caffeine a day may have dependence & physical side effects.
Like nicotine, morphine, codeine and cocaine, caffeine is also an alkaloid. • Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds of plant origin containing heterocyclic rings and a tertiary amine group. • Theobromine has a similar structure to caffeine, which is also found in chocolate. (It does not contain bromine!) theobromine caffeine
Effects at low doses:- respiratory stimulant- weak diuretic- enhances concentration and alertness- reduces migraines (constriction of blood vessels) • Effects at high doses:- anxiety- irritability- sleeplessness
NICOTINE • One third of the world’s population is addicted to smoking because tobacco contains nicotine • Nicotine produces psychological and/or physical dependence • Nicotine builds up tolerance • Stopping smoking can produce temporary symptoms like a craving for tobacco, nausea, weight gain, insomnia, irritability and depression
Short-term effects:- stimulates nervous system- increases heart rate and blood pressure- increases concentration- constricts blood vessels- stresses heart- reduces urine outputLong-term effects:- increases risk of heart disease coronary thrombosis - inhibits ability of blood to carry oxygen (CO)- excess acidity > peptic ulcers- mouth/lung cancer- adverse effects on pregnancy
Both compounds are heterocyclic with one or more carbon atoms in the ring replaced by nitrogen atoms. They both contain a tertiary amine group caffeine nicotine