Drug Classification and Function Quiz

Drug Classification and Function

• Drugs are chemical compounds used to induce changes in the body, for diagnosing, treating, preventing illnesses, relieving pain, and improving physiological conditions.
• Psychoactive drugs alter mood, thoughts, and behaviors, often used to treat neuropsychological disorders.
• Drugs are categorized into various groups based on their main effects.

Drug Groups and Effects

• CNS Stimulants: Increase alertness and mood; examples include amphetamine, cocaine, and caffeine.
• Recreational Drugs: Exhibit a wide range of effects; examples include nicotine, cannabis, LSD, and MDMA.
• Opiates: Reduce pain and increase pleasure; examples include heroin, morphine, and codeine.
• CNS Depressants: Increase drowsiness and relax moods; examples include alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
• Antipsychotics: Reduce hallucinations and delusions; examples include chlorpromazine and haloperidol.
• Antidepressants: Elevate mood; examples include imipramine and fluoxetine.
• Nootropics: Slow cognitive decline in dementia; examples include Aricept and Tacrine.
• Herbal Medications: Have varying effects and are often not as well-studied scientifically as many synthetic medications.

Drug Mechanisms and Bioavailability

• Bioavailability: The amount of drug in the circulatory system, available to interact with brain receptors.
• Drugs can affect the body by binding to receptor sites.
• Direct Agonists: Bind to a receptor site and mimic the effect of the neurotransmitter normally present.
  • Opiates mimic endorphins and enkephalins.
  • Alcohol mimics GABA.
  • Benzodiazepines mimic GABA.
  • Nicotine mimics acetylcholine.
  • Cannabis mimics anandamide.
  • LSD affects serotonin.
• Antagonists: Occupy receptor sites but don't mimic the neurotransmitter's effect.
  • Example: Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, prevents heroin relapse. Injectable administration is more effective than oral.

Drug Administration

• Different administration methods affect drug efficacy.

Test your knowledge on various drug classifications and their functions. This quiz covers CNS stimulants, recreational drugs, opiates, depressants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, highlighting their effects and examples. Challenge yourself to understand the impact of these substances on the body and mind.