Classification of Drugs

Study Notes

Pharmacological classification: based on their mechanism of action or therapeutic use
- Examples: antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics
Chemical classification: based on their chemical structure
- Examples: opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates
Legal classification: based on their legal status and potential for abuse
- Examples: Schedule I (high potential for abuse, no medical use), Schedule II (high potential for abuse, some medical use)

Stimulants: increase alertness and energy, often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy
- Examples: amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine
Depressants: slow down brain activity, often used to treat anxiety and insomnia
- Examples: barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids
Hallucinogens: alter perception, thought, and mood
- Examples: LSD, psilocybin, peyote
Opioids: relieve pain, often used to treat moderate to severe pain
- Examples: morphine, codeine, fentanyl
Cannabis: used to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain and nausea

Agonists: bind to receptors, mimicking the action of a natural neurotransmitter
Antagonists: bind to receptors, blocking the action of a natural neurotransmitter
Inverse agonists: bind to receptors, producing an opposite response to a natural neurotransmitter

Physical dependence: body adapts to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped
Psychological dependence: emotional dependence on the drug, leading to compulsive use despite negative consequences
Tolerance: increased dose required to achieve the same effect
Withdrawal: symptoms experienced when use is stopped or reduced

Pharmacological classification is based on a drug's mechanism of action or therapeutic use
Examples of pharmacological classification include antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics
Chemical classification is based on a drug's chemical structure
Examples of chemical classification include opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates
Legal classification is based on a drug's legal status and potential for abuse
Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no medical use
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and some medical use

Stimulants increase alertness and energy, and are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy
Examples of stimulants include amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamine
Depressants slow down brain activity, and are used to treat anxiety and insomnia
Examples of depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and opioids
Hallucinogens alter perception, thought, and mood
Examples of hallucinogens include LSD, psilocybin, and peyote
Opioids relieve pain, and are used to treat moderate to severe pain
Examples of opioids include morphine, codeine, and fentanyl
Cannabis is used to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain and nausea

Agonists bind to receptors, mimicking the action of a natural neurotransmitter
Antagonists bind to receptors, blocking the action of a natural neurotransmitter
Inverse agonists bind to receptors, producing an opposite response to a natural neurotransmitter

Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped
Psychological dependence is an emotional dependence on a drug, leading to compulsive use despite negative consequences
Tolerance develops when an increased dose of a drug is required to achieve the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms occur when drug use is stopped or reduced