PSYB21H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Morphine, Nucleus Accumbens, Curare
Document Summary
Psychopharmacology is the study of how drugs affect the nervous system and behavior. A drug is a chemical compound that is administered to bring a desired change in the body. Psychoactive drugs are substances that act to alter mood, thought, or behavior and are used to manage neuropsychological illness (substance abuse) To be effective, psychoactive drug has to reach target in nervous system. The way a drug passes through body to reach target is the route of administration. Not all drugs can penetrate digestive tract or withstand gastric secretions. Fewer barriers between a drug and its target if drug is inhaled rather than swallowed. Fewest obstacles faced if it is injected into brain. To reach bloodstream, drug must be absorbed through lining of stomach or small intestine. Drug: weak acid absorbed across stomach lining; weak base cannot be absorbed until it passes intestine (digestive juices could have it destroyed)
