PSYC 222 1st Edition Lecture 23Outline of Last Lecture • Depressants and Inhalantsi. Depressants ii. Barbituratesiii. Meprobamateiv. Mechanism of actionv. Beneficial uses: Anxiolytics and Hypnoticsvi. Concerns: Anxiolytics and Hypnoticsvii. Dependance liabilityviii.Methaqualoneix. BenzodiazepinesOutline of Current Lecture i. Benzodiazepines: Rohypnolii. Nonbenzodiazepine hypnoticsiii. Acute Toxicityiv. Patterns of abusev. Inhalantsvi. Gaseous anesthesticsvii. nitritesviii.volatile solventsix. dangers of inhaling solventsx. Gamma hydroxybutyric acidCurrent Lecturei. A 1990s version of "Mickey Finn". Produces profound intoxication when mixed with alcohol. Reportedly used as a "date rape" drug. Slipped into drinks. 1997 change in the formulation causes a distinctive color when dissolved in a drink. ii. "Z-drugs". Similar to benzodiazepines but with a different chemical structure. Zolpidem (Ambien); most widely prescribed hypnotic. Short duration. Rapid onset. Initially thoughtto be safer than benzodiazepines. Withdrawl symptoms have been reported. Benzodiazepines withdrawl symptoms: 1) Common: anxiety, impaired concetration and memory, insomnia, nightmares, muscle cramps, increased sensitivity to touch and light. 2) More severe: delirium tremens, delusions and convulsions. Cross dependence occurs among the barbiturates the benzodiazepines and alcohol. iii. Behavioral: alcohol like intoxication with impaired judgment and coordination. Additive effects if combined with alcohol. Physiological: respiratory depression. Especially dangerous if combined with alcohol. iv. Most abuse associated with oral use of legally manual production. 2 types of typical abusers: 1) older adults using prescription drugs who develop tolerance and increase their dosage. 2) Younger people who obtain drugs to get high. May take high doses and or mix with alcohol. v. Example of products that contain inhalable solvents: Gasoline, glue, paint, etc. Ex of inhalants: Gaseous Anesthetics: nitrous oxide, ether. Current and former medical anesthetics. Nitrites: isoamyl, isobutyl. "Locker room", "rush", "poppers". Volatile solvents: Petroleum, acetone, toluene. Paint, paint thinner, and remover, nail polish remover etc. vi. Nitrous oxide was 1st used in the early 1800s. "laughing gas". Still used for light anesthesia. Especially by dentist. Used as a propellant for commercial and home whipping-cream dispensers.vii. Relax blood vessels. Increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Used as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. With high doses there may be light headaches or faintness. 1988 Anti-drug abuse act listed several nitrites as controlled substances. viii.The modern era of solvent abuse can be traced back to 1959 investigative article. News articles and education programs demonstrated how to abuse volatile solvents. Use may have spread due to increased publicity. In general abuse tends to occur as localized fads,Most users are very young. 6% of 8th graders reported past year use. 3% of 12th gradersreported past use. ix. Several solvents have been linked to: kidney damage, brain damage, peripheral nerve damage, irritation of the respiratory tract, severe headache, and death by suffocationx. GHB: naturally occuring chemical found in the brain and body. Structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Is a CNS depressant. Behavioral effects similar to