Cocaine Cocaine blocks the uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the synaptic cleft (in the reward pathway), causing a stimulant effect. Amphetamines Amphetamines block the reuptake and facilitate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from nerve endings, causing a…
Inhalants represent a broad group of drugs which are inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. They are generally CNS depressants. Intoxication lasts 15-30 minutes and may be sustained with repeated use. An overdose may be fatal due to respiratory depression…
Nicotine is derived from the tobacco plant. It stimulates nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia and is highly addictive due to its effects on the dopaminergic system. It also has prominent withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine use is not an acute problem. The…
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. Intoxication is usually an incidental finding on a urine toxicology screen. The main active ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Cannabinoid…
Opioids bind to opiate receptors (mu, kappa, and delta), which are involved in analgesia, sedation, and dependence. They are commonly administered intravenously (appear as needle marks forming a track on physical exam) or inhaled (increasingly smoked with cannabis nowadays). Most…
Hallucinogens Hallucinogens work through various mechanisms. They have no addiction profile and no withdrawal syndromes, though patients taking LSD may experience “flashbacks” (recurrent intoxication) later in life. Their tolerance is very low. Examples include: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Mescaline (Peyote…
Alcoholism Alcohol is the most significant, most commonly used, and most commonly abused drug. Intoxication is measured with blood alcohol concentration (BAC). It is a depressant (contrary to popular belief that it is a stimulant, as it can ultimately cause…
Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression affects 13% of mothers in the first year postpartum. The mother usually feels unworthy to raise their children. It can have moderate to severe symptoms, with a protracted course. Women with postpartum depression usually have risk…
Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurrent mood disturbance mixed with mania/hypomania + depression. Thought to be a bridge between unipolar depression and Schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The genetic link in Bipolar disorder is stronger than that of Unipolar depression,…
Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar Depression) Depression is a very common condition associated with significant dysfunction. It is usually underdiagnosed and often chronic or recurrent. It commonly presents in patients with other general medical conditions. Multiple safe and effective treatment options…