Humanities Homework Help
Collin County Community College Psychotropic Drugs Discussion
The topic of this discussion will be psychotropic drugs. You must choose a drug from the following list:
1) Opiates: oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, heroin, methadone, morphine.
2) Anxiolytics: xanax, valium, klonipin, ativan, etc.
3) attention deficit medications: ritalin, vyvanse, adderall, etc.
4) antidepressants: any SSRI, SNRI, wellbutrin, etc.
5) mood stabilizers and antipsychotics: lithium, depakote, tegretol, lamictal, risperdal, seroquel, abilify, etc.
6) recreational drugs and hallucinogens: ecstacy, GHB, ketamine, cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana, ‘shrooms, DMT, PCP, etc.
Your initial post should address the following in 3 or 4 paragraphs:
1) Name of the drug and generic names. Any medicinal uses of the drug including disorders that might be treated.
2) Typical dosing and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics: what does this drug do to your body? what neurotransmitters are affected and how? how long does it stay in your body and how is it removed from your body?
3) What is the experience of the drug? How does it affect your consciousness?
4) What are side effects and possible adverse reactions?
5) What is the risk of addiction and what might withdrawal be like?
Responses to Classmates:
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid drug also known as Vicodin, Norco, or Lortab. It is used to relieve prolonged severe pain that cannot be treated with other treatments or medications. In the USA it can only be legally used as a prescription from a doctor. Hydrocodone is not meant to treat any disorders but rather provide temporary relief to severe physical pain. It may also be used to treat a cough but usually isn’t prescribed for that reason. A typical dose of hydrocodone varies depending on the age of patient and severity of pain. The capsules are a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen or ibuprofen and the amount of hydrocodone per capsule typically prescribed are 5mg, 7.5mg, and 10mg. Doctors will advise taking 1-2 capsules every 4-6 hours as needed. Hydrocodone relieves pain by acting on the mu-opioid receptors (MORs) followed by the delta opioid receptors (DORs). It inhibits pain signaling in the spinal cord and brain by preventing release of neurotransmitters and activation of neurons by glutamate. The euphoric effect is caused by GABA-inhibitory neurons attaching to their mu receptors. This process increases the amount of dopamine produced, resulting in a pleasurable feeling. The drug reaches its peak 1 hour after oral ingestion, and the effects will begin to wear off 4-6 hours after first dose. The amount of time hydrocodone stays in your system depends on the person’s age, physical health, metabolism, and hydration. Generally speaking a single dosage stays in your system for 1-5 days. Like most other drugs, hydrocodone leaves your system through renal excretion, meaning it is eliminated in urine.
People taking hydrocodone as prescribed experience relief from any physical pain they have. Others may take this drug illegally for the euphoric effect and the sense of well-being. Cognition is affected by causing sedation and a “brain fog” feeling while motor performances are impaired as well. The most common side effects of this drug are nausea, drowsiness, itchiness, and dry mouth. Possible adverse reactions include headaches, frequent urination, tinnitus, insomnia, agitation, confusion, irregular heartbeat, hives, and difficulty breathing.Risk of addiction to hydrocodone is extremely high and is the second most abused drug in the US. People will often continue taking the prescription when no longer in pain to experience the euphoric feeling and may have a very difficult time quitting the drug. Withdrawal symptoms are severe although much worse if a person quits cold turkey. Symptoms of withdrawal from opioids include physical pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fever, nausea and vomiting, and general discomfort.In conclusion, hydrocodone is a helpful drug if taken correctly and under the supervision of a doctor. It is best to stop using as soon as possible to avoid addiction and other harmful effects.
Sources:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00956 (Links to an external site.)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6174210/ (Links to an external site.)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydro…
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614045.html
Bella ZhangThursdayJul 22 at 11:53am
The drug I chose is Adderall. The generic name for Adderall is dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, but it can also be called amphetamine salts. Adderall is an amphetamine that stimulates the brain. Amphetamines increase neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases concentration and decreases fatigue. Adderall is most commonly used to treat ADHD by increasing attention and behavioral control. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy to promote wakefulness through increased norepinephrine. Adderall can only be obtained through a prescription.
The typical dose of Adderall depends on whether the medication is immediate or extended-release. Both the immediate and extended-release come in pill form. The dosage for an immediate release is 5 mg and it is taken once or twice a day. An immediate release dosage can be increased by 5 mg weekly until it is effective. The dosage for an extended-release ranges from 5 to 100 mg, but the average is 20 mg a day. An extended-release dose is taken once a day, usually in the morning, and the effects last until the evening. Adderall can stay in the body for 24-48 hours before being broken down by the liver. Adderall leaves the body through urine.
There are many side effects to Adderall. The most common side effects are appetite loss, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and dry mouth. Most people who take Adderall experience a couple of mild side effects. Those side effects normally disappear after a week or two of using Adderall. The side effects I used to experience while taking Adderall were loss of appetite and dry mouth. Sometimes, individuals can experience heart problems and psychotic symptoms. Individuals can even die from heart problems caused by Adderall.
Adderall tends to make people more concentrated, energized, and motivated. Adderall can create a sense of euphoria in people taking higher doses. It can be described as sliding into “the zone” of intense focus while feeling passively happy. However, these psychological effects are the main reasons why Adderall gets abused. Many people, especially students, take Adderall to increase focus for studying and test-taking. Adderall addiction can start from several weeks to several months after the abuse has started. Repeated use of Adderall when one does not have ADHD can lead to developing dependence to feel “the zone” or avoid withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms of Adderall include irritability, low moods, and lethargy. Repeated use also causes the brain to produce less dopamine, which causes people to have constant low moods.
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