NEUR 3204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Oxidative Stress, Relapse Prevention, Cocaethylene
4 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Opioids are natural or synthetic compounds that produce morphine-like effects. Opiates are drugs obtained from the juice of the opium poppy. All drugs in this category act by binding specific opioid receptors in the cns to mimic the effects. The opioid drugs are narcotic analgesics; they reduce pain without producing unconsciousness of endogenous agents (endorphins & enkephalins) Their euphoric effects have led to addiction and abuse. The main active ingredient in opium is morphine. Opium also contains codeine, thebaine and other ingredients. Small differences in molecular structure determine effectiveness and side effects. Synthetic: heroin (morphine), oxycodone & hydrocodone (codeine), buprenorphine & naloxone (thebaine) Heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, buprenorphine and naloxone are semi-synthetic derivatives of natural products. Heroin was made by adding two acetyl groups to morphine, making it more lipid soluble: transport through membranes. This reaches the brain faster, so it is much more potent than morphine, when injected.
