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Medicines and Drugs 5
Stimulants (SL and HL)
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Assessment Statements
D.5.1
List the physiological effects of stimulants.
D.5.2
Compare amphetamines and epinephrine (adrenaline).
D.5.3
Discuss the short- and long-term effects of nicotine
consumption.
D.5.4
Describe the effects of caffeine and compare its structure with
that of nicotine.
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Common Stimulants
cocaine
Ritalin +
Adderall
(class 2)
amphetamines
methamphetamines
cocaine
ecstasy (MDMA)
caffeine
nicotine
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Stimulants
uppers
whizz
wake ups
speed
stimulants increase activity in
the central nervous system
alter the activity of several
neurotransmitters in various pathways
epinephrine (adrenaline) • serotonin • dopamine
http://total-body-psychology.com.au/what-are-neurotransmitters/
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Stimulants - Physiological Effects
effects in the brain
increased mental alertness
prevent drowsiness
greater concentration
effects in the body
air passages dilate / relax ➙ faster breathing
increased heart rate and blood pressure
increased blood flow to the brain and body
reduced appetite ➙ use in diet pills
pupils dilate
increased sweating
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Stimulants vs Depressants
http://headsup.scholastic.com/files/6512/8880/1155/meds1.JPG
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Amphetamines and Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
epinephrine (aka adrenaline)
natural stimulant
hormone produced by the adrenal glands
produced in response to stress
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/wlas0006/1001/2011/10/the-adrenaline-effect-2.html
flight or fight response
http://www.cavemenmeds.com/medical-science/115-adrenaline-the-bodys-kick-starter
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Amphetamines and Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Epinephrine and the related norepinephrine act as
neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic Nervous System Responses
(Flight or Fight Responses)
http://strengthology.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/body_fight_flight2.png
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Amphetamines and Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
http://www.survivestress.net/f/1/styles/main_image/public/fight_or_flight_2.jpg
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Amphetamines and Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Amphetamine has a structure similar to epinephrine.
C9H13NO3
C9H13N
similarities
differences
What is the
molecular
formula for each
substance?
phenylethylamine
no alcohol groups vs 3 alcohol groups
1º amine vs 2º amine
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Amphetamines and Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Amphetamines are sympathomimetic drugs.
Amphetamines mimic and enhance the effects of
epinephrine and norepinephrine - the natural
drugs in the sympathetic nervous system.
Which of these effects would be observed in a person using amphetamines?
constriction of peripheral
blood vessels ✔
constriction of pupils
✗
dilation of airways
increased urine output
insomnia
✔
increased appetite
✗
calmness
drowsiness
✗
alertness
✗
increased blood flow to
muscles
✔
✔
✔
✗
restricted use of energy
reserves
✗
sudden exhaustion
✔
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Amphetamine Derivatives (FYI - not an IB topic)
amphetamine
a synthetic drug
related compounds
methamphetamine
meth ICE
crystal meth
3,4-methylenedioxidemethamphetamine
(MDMA)
Ecstasy “E”
XTC
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Amphetamine Derivatives (FYI - not an IB topic)
methamphetamine
MDMA (Ecstasy)
euphoria
hyper-excitability
increased heart rate
restlessness
incessant talking
alteration of consciousness
greater sense of acceptance& well
being
sense of connectedness
less anxiety and aggression
greater alertness
greater energy & endurance
misuse or
overdose
convulsions
hyperthermia
confusion & disorientation
anxiety & panic
insomnia
tolerance
strong tolerance develops
moderate tolerance develops
short term
effects
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at3Sg6qvgTE&feature=fvwrel
http://www.methinsideout.com/animation1.html
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Nicotine
one of the most widely used
and abused stimulants
obtained from tobacco leaves
(and in lower quantities from other plants)
nicotine is a natural insecticide in these plants
administration route = inhalation
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Nicotine
structure
2 heterocyclic rings
3º amine
properties
non-polar
∴ lipid soluble
∴ passes blood brain barrier easily
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Nicotine
effects
nicotine increases levels of epinephrine
and dopamine in the brain
short term effects
long term effects
increased concentration
increased risk of heart disease*
reduced tension and boredom
increased heart rate and BP*
decreased urine output
hypertension (high blood pressure)*
increased risk of atherosclerosis
(blocking of arteries due to high
fatty acid blood levels)
over-production of stomach acid
(promotes ulcer formation)
tolerance develops
strong dependence develops
* due to vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels)
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Nicotine
If it were not for nicotine, people
would not smoke tobacco.
The action of nicotine in the brain is complicated.
Nicotine binds to certain receptors, and then increases
the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Dopamine acts in the reward pathways of your brain, and is
responsible for feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Drugs that interfere with dopamine pathways are highly addictive.
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Nicotine
Nicotine itself is NOT carcinogenic ...
so why does smoking cause lung cancer (and other cancers)?
Anatomy of a
Cigarette
Some chemicals are added
to cigarettes to improve
the absorption of nicotine.
Some chemicals in tobacco
smoke are the product of
combustion.
Some chemicals in cigarettes
are present in the tobacco
plants themselves.
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Caffeine
the most widely used stimulant
in the world
legal and unregulated
natural insecticide
structure
caffeine
nicotine
similarities
2 heterocyclic rings
differences
2 amide groups in caffeine but none in nicotine
3º amine
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Caffeine
effects
caffeine increases metabolic processes in the brain
low dose effects
enhanced mental alertness
high dose effects
increased irritability
enhanced concentration
insomnia
diuretic effect
physical co-ordination may be
affected (jitters)
constricts blood vessels
(useful in migraine treatment)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2R_1ZanJLk
dependence develops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl1XBJLfIDU
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Caffeine
←controversial
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Cocaine (FYI - not an IB topic)
structure
effects
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OS2C4NemJI
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Mouse Party
Want to learn more about how drugs interact in the brain
to make a user feel “high”? Check out the Mouse Party.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugs/mouse.html
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