Tolerance and Dependence: Key Concepts in Substance Use and Management

Tolerance Tolerance refers to a state in which a person no longer responds to a drug or substance in the way they initially did. Over time, higher doses of the substance are required to achieve the same effect that was previously obtained with a lower dose. Mechanism – Pharmacodynamic Tolerance: …

Drug Abuse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

Definition: Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It often leads to significant impairment or distress and can affect physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning.  Types of Abused Substances 1. Opioids: Heroin, prescription pain …

Drug Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

Definition: Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.  Types of Addictive Substances 1. Opioids: Heroin, …

Opioid Antagonists: Naloxone and Naltrexone

Opioid antagonists are medications that block the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target. They are critical tools in the treatment of opioid overdose and addiction. Two common opioid antagonists are naloxone and naltrexone.  Naloxone Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly …

Opioid Analgesics: Introduction, Classification, Mechanism of Action, and Side Effects

Opioid analgesics are a class of drugs commonly used to relieve moderate to severe pain. They exert their effects by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Opioid antagonists, on the other hand, block the effects of opioid agonists by binding to …

Nootropics: Definition, Classification, Mechanism of action, uses and Side effects

 Definition Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers, are substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. The term “nootropic” is derived from the Greek words “nous,” meaning “mind,” and “trepein,” meaning “to bend” or “turn.”  Classification of Nootropics 1. Racetams …

Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants: Definition, Classification, Mechanism of action, uses and Side effects

 Definition CNS stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance the activity of the brain and spinal cord, leading to increased alertness, energy, and attention. They can affect various neurotransmitters and are used therapeutically for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and certain cases of depression.  Classification …

Drugs Used in Alzheimer’s Disease: Definition, Classification, Mechanism and Side effects

Definition: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behavior and personality. Drugs used in Alzheimer’s disease aim to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life for affected individuals. These medications primarily target neurotransmitter systems involved in memory and …

Drugs Used in Parkinson’s Disease: Definition, Classification, Mechanism and Side effects

Definition: Parkinson`s disease, or paralysis agitans, is characterized by a resting tremor (involuntary trembling when a limb is in rest), rigidity (inability to initiate movements), and bradykinesia (slowness of movements). The disease results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons that arise in the substantial nigra and project to other structures …

Hallucinogens: Definition, Classification, Mechanism and Side effects

Definition: Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, are a class of drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often leading to profound changes in consciousness and sensory experiences. These substances can induce hallucinations, distortions of time and space, and altered states of consciousness. Hallucinogens are typically divided into two categories: …

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