NROSCI 0081 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Crack Cocaine, Sympathomimetic Drug, Tachycardia
16 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Most psychostimulants increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (sympathomimetics) Increased heart rate, release of cortisol, dilated pupils. Natives in south america chew coca leaves: leaves are not that potent. Increased endurance, reduce fatigue, alleviate hunger, and induces euphoria. Cocaine had a resurgence in the 1960s when amphetamine was banned. Popular with males 18-39: often combined with alcohol, produces cocaethylene in the liver (produces a whole new effect, enhances cocaine effect, makes you feel less drunk, eases the (cid:862)co(cid:373)e dow(cid:374)(cid:863) after taki(cid:374)g cocai(cid:374)e. Increased availability of crack, a more potent and less expensive form of cocaine. Vasoconstriction leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate (similar to fight or flight state) Euphoria, decreased appetite, increased energy, alertness, and performance. Can cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability; these effects are more intense with higher dose, sometime leading to a psychosis-like state. Heightens desire for cocaine, even other reinforcers.
