Post on 22-Dec-2015
Medicines and Drugs
Chapter 23
Classifications of Medicines
Medicines are drugs that are used to treat or prevent disease or other conditions
Drugs are substances other than food that change the structure or function of the body or mind.
Medicines that Prevent Disease A vaccine is a preparation introduced into
the body to stimulate an immune response
Medicines and the Body
Medicines can have a variety of effects on individuals, or can cause different reactions. Side effects are the reactions to medicine other
than the one intended
Medicines and the Body
When medicines are taken together or with certain foods, the combination may produce different effects. Addictive interaction occurs when medicines work
together in a positive way Synergistic effect is an interaction of two or more
medicines that results in a greater effect than when the medicines are taken alone. One medicine increases the effect of the other
Antagonistic interaction occurs when the effect of one medicine is canceled or reduced when taken with another medicine
Other Potential Problems
Tolerance A condition in which the body becomes used to the effect of
the medicine, so…. The body needs an increasingly larger dose of the
medicine to produce the same effect Withdrawal
Occurs when a person stops using a medicine on which he or she has a chemical dependence.
Nervousness, insomnia, severe headaches, vomiting, chills and cramps. Possibly medical intervention
Medicine Misuse
Giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not prescribed or taking another person’s medicine
Taking too much or too little of a medicine or taking a medicine for a longer or shorter period than prescribed
Discontinuing use of a medicine without informing the health care professional
Mixing medicines
Substance Abuse
Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for nonmedical purposes Illegal drugs, chemical substances that people of
any age may not lawfully manufacture, possess, buy or sell
Illicit drugs, the use or sale of any substance that is illegal or otherwise not permitted
Factors that Influence Decisions About Drugs Peer pressure Family members Role models Media messages Perceptions
Health Consequences
Physical Once a drug enters the bloodstream it can harm a user’s
brain, heart, lungs and other vital organs Overdose, strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a
large amount of a drug. Mental/emotional
Drugs cloud reasoning and thinking; lose control of behavior
Social Negative effect on relationships with friends or family
members
Understanding the Addiction Cycle Tolerance Psychological Dependence Physical Tolerance Addiction
Tolerance
The body of the substance abuser needs more and more of the drug.
Psychological Dependence
A condition in which a person believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally. Develops over time Desired effect
Physiological Dependence
A condition in which the user has a chemical need for the drug Feelings of withdrawal from the drug after taking it. Symptoms include:
Nervousness Insomnia Severe nausea Headaches Vomiting Chills Cramps Even, death
Addiction
Dependence on the drug Causes persistent, compulsive use of a
substance known by the user to be harmful People who are addicted have great difficulty
stopping use
Marijuana
Contains 421 different chemicals D-alpha-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the
main psychoactive ingredient Stored in the body for 25-35 days Raises level of dopamine
Pleasurable feeling; euphoria (feeling of intense well-being or elation)
Health risks – pg. 599
StimulantsDrugs that speed up the central nervous system
Cocaine Crack Amphetamines Methamphetamines
DepressantsDrugs that slow down the central nervous system
Barbiturates Tranquilizers Rohypnol GHB
NarcoticsSpecific drugs that are obtainable only by prescription and are used to relieve pain.
Opium Morphine Heroin Codeine
HallucinogensDrugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions including vision, hearing, smell and touch.
PCP LSD Ecstasy Ketamine
Inhalants
Substances whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled to achieve a mind-altering effect.
Once inhaled, it goes immediately to the brain causing damage and killing cells Could cause permanent damage or even death Easily accessible for young teens
Steroids
Synthetic substances that are similar to the male sex hormone – testosterone
Anabolic refers to muscle building Androgenic refers to increased male
characteristics Can cause:
Mood swings Impaired judgment Paranoia