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 …
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. Â Types of Addictive Substances 1. Opioids: Heroin, …
Anti-Anxiety Agents: Definition, Classification, Mechanism and Side effects
Definition: Anti-anxiety agents, also known as anxiolytics or tranquilizers, are medications used to treat anxiety disorders and related conditions by reducing feelings of anxiety, tension, and nervousness. They can provide symptomatic relief for acute episodes of anxiety or be used on a more long-term basis to manage chronic anxiety symptoms. …
Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: definition, classification, mechanism and side effects
Definition: Centrally acting muscle relaxants are a class of medications used to alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce skeletal muscle tone and hyperactivity. They are commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, spasticity, and fibromyalgia, as …
Anti-emetics- Definition, Classification, Uses, Indications and contraindications
Anti-emetics are medications designed to prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting. These drugs target specific receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract involved in the vomiting reflex. Anti-emetics are commonly used in various situations where nausea and vomiting are prevalent, such as during chemotherapy, postoperative recovery, and motion sickness. The …
Psychotropics- Drugs of misuse and abuse
Drugs of misuse “Drugs of misuse” refer to substances used in ways other than intended, posing potential harm. This includes actions like using medications without a prescription, exceeding prescribed doses, or using them non-medically. Misuse doesn’t necessarily imply addiction but involves deviating from recommended guidelines, leading to negative consequences. Commonly …
General anaesthetics: Definition, Classification, Pharmacological actions, Dose, Indications and Contraindications
General anaesthetics are a class of drugs that induce a reversible loss of consciousness, sensation, and memory, allowing for the performance of medical procedures or surgery to be pain-free and controlled. These agents act on the central nervous system, producing a state of unconsciousness and muscle relaxation, allowing surgical interventions …