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: This occurs when the body’s … Read more
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. Â Types of Abused Substances 1. Opioids: Heroin, prescription pain relievers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone). 2. … Read more
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. Â Types of Addictive Substances 1. Opioids: Heroin, prescription pain relievers (e.g., oxycodone, … Read more
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. Â Naloxone Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It works … Read more
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 the same receptors without activating … Read more
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.” Â Classification of Nootropics 1. Racetams – Definition: A class … Read more
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. Â Classification of Central Nervous System (CNS) … Read more
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 cognitive function, such as acetylcholine … Read more
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 in the basal ganglia. (Or) … Read more
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: classic hallucinogens, such as LSD … Read more
