Cocaine

?
  • Created by: katie
  • Created on: 14-05-15 09:21
Mode of Action
cocaine works by blocking the re-absorption of dopamine by the synapse. this causes lots of dopamine to build up in the synaptic gap which can then reattach to the post-synaptic receptors; speeding up the rate of reactions
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What area of the brain is targeted by this?
Nucleus accumbens
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Agonist or antagonist?
Agonist because increases post-synaptic impulses
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Stimulant or depressant?
Stimulant because accelerates psychological activity e.g. makes heart beat faster
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Psychological effects
last around 15 minutes: euphoria, energy, alertness, confidence
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Physical effects
increased heart rate and blood pressure, pupil dilation
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Tolerance
develops quickly but doesn't increase once hits a certain level of tolerance. down regulation occurs (amount of dopamine receptors decreases)
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Withdrawal
last 1-2 weeks and are mainly emotional: depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia
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Dependence
the reduction of dopamine receptors reduces the control of emotion which means the addicts feel the need the drug to be happy
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What area of the brain is targeted by this?

Back

Nucleus accumbens

Card 3

Front

Agonist or antagonist?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Stimulant or depressant?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Psychological effects

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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