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Questions and Answers
Large doses of Khat can lead to mild hyperactivity.
Large doses of Khat can lead to mild hyperactivity.
True
Long-term use of Khat is known to result in improved liver health.
Long-term use of Khat is known to result in improved liver health.
False
Withdrawal symptoms from Khat can include lethargy and irritability.
Withdrawal symptoms from Khat can include lethargy and irritability.
True
Khat users experience immediate euphoria similar to those using amphetamines.
Khat users experience immediate euphoria similar to those using amphetamines.
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Hallucination is a negative effect of Khat usage.
Hallucination is a negative effect of Khat usage.
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Amphetamines can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Amphetamines can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
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Withdrawal symptoms from amphetamines include increased energy and euphoria.
Withdrawal symptoms from amphetamines include increased energy and euphoria.
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The primary mechanism of action for amphetamines involves the reuptake of neurotransmitters.
The primary mechanism of action for amphetamines involves the reuptake of neurotransmitters.
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Khat contains cathinone, which is a potent stimulant.
Khat contains cathinone, which is a potent stimulant.
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Chronic use of amphetamines is not associated with any risk of psychosis.
Chronic use of amphetamines is not associated with any risk of psychosis.
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Severe hyperthermia from an amphetamine overdose can lead to multiorgan failure.
Severe hyperthermia from an amphetamine overdose can lead to multiorgan failure.
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The lethal dose of amphetamines for non-tolerant users is estimated to be between 150-500 mg.
The lethal dose of amphetamines for non-tolerant users is estimated to be between 150-500 mg.
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MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy or molly and is classified as a central nervous system stimulant.
MDMA is commonly known as ecstasy or molly and is classified as a central nervous system stimulant.
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Study Notes
Drug Dependence: Amphetamines and Cathinones
- Addiction: Persistent drug use despite harm.
- Drug Dependence: Adaptive state causing withdrawal upon cessation of use. Receptor numbers decrease due to prolonged exposure.
- CNS Stimulants: Amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA (ecstasy/molly), and cathinones (khat). These drugs share similar effects and risks, but usage patterns and cultural significance vary.
Amphetamines
- Mechanism of Action (MoA): Increase neurotransmitter release (adrenaline, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine) and decrease reuptake, leading to CNS stimulation.
- Effects (central): Euphoria, increased energy, hallucinations, impaired judgment, agitation, confusion, sleep disturbances, psychosis.
- Effects (peripheral): Tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmia, hyperthermia, mydriasis (pupil dilation), nausea, weight loss, muscle weakness. Amphetamines have opposite effects to opioids.
- Complications: Cardiac arrhythmias, cerebral hemorrhage, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, memory impairment.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Dysphoria, fatigue, depression, increased appetite, insomnia/hypersomnia, drug cravings, anxiety, aggression. Chronic use can lead to psychosis.
- Death: Usually from overdose, resulting in cardiovascular collapse or hyperthermia.
- Overdose Mechanisms: Hypertensive crisis, vasoconstriction + sympathetic nervous system stimulation → dangerously high blood pressure (stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection), arrhythmia (tachycardia, irregular heartbeats → sudden cardiac arrest), severe hyperthermia (multiorgan failure, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure), seizures (status epilepticus).
- Lethal Dose: 150-500 mg in non-tolerant users.
- Management: Symptom-based, such as benzodiazepines for seizures or agitation.
Khat (Cathinones)
- Description: Plant (leaves) chewed as a stimulant. Contains cathinones, a potent stimulant. Small doses might produce a coffee-like effect with increased blood flow to the brain and faster heart rate.
- Effects (positive): Euphoria, excitement, mild hyperactivity.
- Effects (negative): Agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, hypertension, tachycardia, mydriasis, constipation.
- Long-Term Complications: Liver damage, permanent tooth discoloration, ulcers, compromised self-control.
- Withdrawal: Mild depression, irritability (occasional use), lethargy, tremors (chronic use).
- Diagnosis: Blood, urine, or saliva testing.
Comparison
- Similarities: Euphoria, increased energy, agitation, psychosis, withdrawal symptoms (depression, irritability).
- Differences: Amphetamines have stronger, faster effects increasing severe complication risk (hypernatremia, cardiovascular events). Khat is more culturally embedded, and the intoxication is more gradual, but the risk of long-term dependence is similar.
- Death: Similar cardiovascular-related complications with khate in both cases
- Autopsy findings: Myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy and other cardio related effects found during autopsies for khate users. Also common findings of intracerebral hemorrhage, stroke, brain edema, and gastrointestinal ulcers
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Description
This quiz explores drug dependence, focusing on amphetamines and cathinones. You will learn about their effects, mechanisms of action, and the complications associated with their use. Understand the physiological and psychological impacts these CNS stimulants have on individuals.
