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