Psychomotor Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamine, and Related Drugs

 

Cocaine

Background and History

Basic Pharmacology of Cocaine

Mechanisms of Cocaine Action

Acute Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine stimulates mood and behavior

Cocaine’s physiological effects are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system

Dopamine is important for many effects of cocaine and other psychostimulants

Brain imaging has revealed the neural mechanisms of psychostimulant action in humans

Several DA receptor subtypes mediate the functional effects of psychostimulants

Cocaine Abuse and the Effects of Chronic Cocaine Exposure

Experimental cocaine use may escalate over time to a pattern of cocaine abuse and dependence

Chronic cocaine exposure leads to significant behavioral and neurobiological changes

Box 12.1 The Cutting Edge Neurochemical Mechanisms of Cocaine Tolerance and Sensitization

Repeated or high-dose cocaine use can produce serious health consequences

Pharmacological, behavioral, and psychosocial methods are used to treat cocaine abuse and dependence

The Amphetamines

Background and History

Basic Pharmacology of the Amphetamines

Mechanisms of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Action

Behavioral and Neural Effects of Amphetamines

Amphetamine and methamphetamine have therapeutic uses

High doses or chronic use of amphetamines can cause a variety of adverse effects

Methylphenidate, Modafinil, and Synthetic Cathinones

Methylphenidate

Box 12.2 Clinical Applications Psychostimulants and ADHD

Modafinil

Synthetic Cathinones