PSYC62H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Coronary Artery Disease, Recreational Drug Use, Anxiolytic
Document Summary
Can induce moderate excitement and activity at low doses, but also have a calming effect. Many anxiolytics available to treat anxiety, not only these ones. Benzodiazapines and barbiturates commonly abused prescription drug. Act via gaba system primary inhibitory system: have sedative effects in nt system that produces inhibition in nervous system. Barbiturates act at binding site to facilitate/enhance action of gaba on gaba a receptor. Also act as pharmacological antagonists at ampa glutamate receptors: primary excitatory transmitter in cns. Act as benzodiazepine binding site to facilitate gaba transmission. Alcohol at moderate levels can have health benefits. Produces significant dependence: effects of liver and cardiovascular system, reduced reproductive function. Can"t characterize alcohol in the same way as other recreational drugs like cocaine, heroin and cannabis. Other drugs don"t improve health in an already healthy person. Can take an amount of alcohol not associated with overt signs intoxication, but can impair one"s judgment behind the wheel in a car.
