Category of Drugs

• Stimulants (Uppers)

  • Stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), causing increased alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
• Stimulants (Uppers)

  1. Adderall: ADHD and Narcolepsy; aphrodisiac
  2. Ritalin: first-line for ADHD and Narcolepsy
  3. Synthetic Marijuana: Cannabinoid receptor
  4. Cocaine: Snorted
  5. Methamphetamine: ADHD and Obesity
  6. Ecstasy (MDMA): Recreational psychoactive
  7. Caffeine: CNS Stimulant
  8. Nicotine: Tobacco
  9. Amphetamines (e.g., Speed/Ice): Discovered in 1887
• Depressants (Downers)

  • Slow down the central nervous system (CNS), making users feel relaxed or sedated.
• Depressants (Downers)

  1. Rohypnol: Severe insomnia; assists with anesthesia.
  2. Barbiturates
  3. Xanax: Short-term treatment for anxiety and panic
  4. Valium: Produces a calming effect; benzodiazepine family.
  5. Benzodiazepines: Primarily treats anxiety
  6. Alcohol
  7. Tobacco
• Hallucinogens

  • Disrupt communication in the brain, causing intense and rapidly shifting emotions and hallucinations
• Hallucinogens

  1. LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known as "acid."
  2. Psilocybin: Found in “magic mushrooms.”
  3. Salvia: Psychoactive plant.
  4. Peyote: Recreational use; Contains mescaline
• Dissociatives

  • Distort reality and cause "dissociation" (feeling detached from one’s body).
• Dissociatives

  • Ketamine: Used for anesthesia.
  • DXM (Dextromethorphan): Found in OTC cough medicines.
  • PCP (Phencyclidine): Known as "angel dust."
• Opoids

  • Potent painkillers producing euphoria.
  • Derived from poppy plants
• Opoids

  • Heroin: Recreational drug; can be used medicinally
  • Morphine: Acts on the CNS to reduce pain sensation.
  • Hydrocodone: For severe pain and suppressant for adult cough.
  • Opium: Derived from opium poppy; morphine
  • Vicodin: Hydrocodone and paracetamol.
  • Oxycontin
  • Percocet: Oxycodone and acetaminophen.
  • Codeine
• • Inhalants
  • Everyday household items causing brief euphoria.
  • Always inhaled as gases or fumes.
• Inhalants

  • Household Fumes: Markers, paint, paint thinner, gasoline, glue.
  • Nitrous Oxide.
  • Aerosol Sprays.
  • Room Deodorizers.
• Cannabis

  Common Name: Marijuana

  Classification: Schedule I drug (high potential for addiction).

  Effects:

  • Acts as a hallucinogen but can produce depressant-like effects.

  Usage:

  • Increasing medicinal uses in the United States.
• Types of Cannabis Products

  1. Marijuana Leaves: Derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).
  2. Hashish (Hash): Made from the resin of the cannabis plant.
  3. Hash Oil (Cannabis Oil): Also known as honey oil.
• Cannabis-Based Medicines

  • Example: Sativex
  • Common Side Effects:
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue.
  • Digestive issues (constipation or diarrhea).
  • Memory or concentration problems.
  • Dry mouth or altered sense of taste.
• Solid Dosage Forms

  • Tablets: Most common, economical, easy to handle/administer.
  • Capsules: Contain drugs inside two gelatin shells.
  • Chewable Tablets: Large, colorful, sweet, and flavored for chewing.
  • Powders: Used for dusting and external applications (e.g. wounds)
  • Effervescent Granules/Tablets: React with water to release carbon dioxide, relieving gastric acidity.
• Liquid Dosage Forms

  • Solutions: Drug dissolved in a suitable solvent.
  • Suspensions:
  • Contain fine solid particles dispersed in liquid.
  • Requires shaking before use for uniform dosing.
  • Emulsions: Water-insoluble drugs dispersed in liquid using emulsifying agents.
• Other Dosage Forms

  Semi-Solid Dosage Forms

  • Ointments: High viscosity formulations for external application.

  Specialized Dosage Forms

  • Aerosols: Gaseous dispersions for deeper delivery
  • Suppositories: Solid forms inserted into the anus
  • Gases: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen

  Parenteral Dosage Forms

  • Injections: Solution-based formulations administered for immediate drug action.