PSYD35H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Coca, Dopamine Transporter, Free Base
Document Summary
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the erythroxylon coca plant. Ability to reduce fatigue, thirst, and hunger. Introduction of the syringe and hypodermic needle prompted many attempts to use cocaine as a local anesthetic. In 1884, freud advocated for the use of cocaine to treat depression and to alleviate chronic fatigue. The cocaine that is extracted is in the form of coca paste: cocaine hydrochloride (powdered salt) Soluble in water, and therefore can be injected intravenously: cocaine base (freebase or crack cocaine) Heating the freebase converts cocaine to a stable vapor that cam be inhaled. Can reach the brain in less than 10 seconds after being smoked. Penetrates the brain rapidly; initial brain concentrations far exceed the concentrations in the plasma. After it penetrates the brain, cocaine is rapidly redistributed to other tissues. Freely crosses the placental barrier; achieving levels in the fetus equal to those in the mother: metabolism and excretion.
