Drugs 101! Some things you should know before you take that...

[*Bunny*]

Harm reduction drug info!

Here is my disclaimer so don't blame me if you die.

This information is provided for informational purposes ONLY! I do not condone or advocate the use of illegal substances. I accept NO responsibility for the way the information in this is used, nor any harm that might occur from the use of the information contained here. Although a concerted effort has been made to ensure the validity of the information contained here, no guarantees or assurances of accuracy are provided by anyone. Read and act at your own risk.

I am going to break it down and give you the basics. Being that most of this shit I have done first hand at one point in time, you may be more likely to listen to my info. I am not here to feed you the bullshit that the government, your parents, the news, and everyone else gives you. I have done a lot of research and have looked at many points of view and sifted through the propaganda and am giving you facts. What you choose to do with this, is your choice.

This is for harm reduction purposes, NOT to teach you how to go out and do drugs. Most things listed here are illegal and you choose to do them that is your decision. I want you to at least make educated decisions.

I don't like seeing people die so here is the info so that when you are doing possibly dangerous, detrimental things you at least know what you are putting in your body and the effects they will have. The very least you can do if you are going to partake in such extra curricular activites is know what you are taking, the risks involved, and how you may be effected. Each person is different, and one person may not react the same way as another.

[*Bunny*]

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DEPRESSANTS/DOWNERS/DEPRESSANTS
(Alcohol, Repzodiazepines, barbiturates, chloral hydrate, methaqualone, Xanax, Valium, Rohypnol, Halcion, Soma, GHB, certain anti-psychotics, and certain anti-depressants)

Depressants are substances that depress the activity of the central nervous system. Depressants are often referred to as "downers" because of their sedative, hypnotic and tranquilizing effects. There are both legal and illegal depressants. Alcohol is the most common legal depressant. Other depressants that are legal are often prescribed medications used to induce sleep, relieve stress, and subdue anxiety. These prescriptions are often abused as well, such as the case with rohypnol. GHB is an illegal depressant often used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults because of its sedative properties.
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Deliriates- Found in nature they are belladona alkaloids but are also abused heavily in pharmaceutical antihistamines like benadryl or antiemetics like dramamine, they are mostly antagonists, acting against certain receptors in the brain or stomach(the GI track has more nerve endings than any other part of the body, hence the term "gut feeling") The most prominent effect of this category drugs is delirium(obviously) open eye'd hallucinations which do not only distort the perception of what is there but also manifest visuals.
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CNS STIMULANTS/UPPERS/Stimulants
(cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, Ritalin, Preludin, khat, methcathinone, etc.)

Uppers Stimulants are drugs that temporarily increase alertness and wakefulness. In addition to stimulating the central nervous system, most stimulants also increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and some may produce a sense of euphoria in many individuals. Stimulants are used therapeutically to increase or maintain alertness, either to counteract normal fatigue in situations where sleep is not practical or to counteract abnormal states that diminish alertness or interfere with consciousness in the absence of fatigue drugs to increase alertness They may also be used and sometimes abused to boost endurance and productivity as well as to suppress appetite.
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INHALANTS
(volatile solvents, toluene, anesthetic gases, aerosols, nitrous oxide, gasoline)


Inhalants
Inhalants are common household and workplace substances that are sniffed or huffed to give the user an immediate head rush or high. Inhalants are "sniffed" from an open container or "huffed" from a rag soaked in the substance and held to the face. A new trend, "dusting," involves inhaling common computer cleaners (One brand is Dust-Off) - several deaths have occured.

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NARCOTIC ANALGESICS
Opiate NarcoticsBarbiturates , Handlebars (Prescription Depressants, particularly Barbiturates) Dietary SupplementsNarcoticsPrescription Drugs
Kiddie Dope (Prescription Drugs) , Over the Counter Drugs , Skittles (Cold Medicine) (heroin, morphine, codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, fentanyl, Vicodin, methadone)

Narcotics are drugs that alleviate physical pain, suppress coughing, alleviate diarrhea, and induce anesthesia. Natural narcotics are derived from the Opium poppy and synthetic narcotics are made to act like the major constituents of Opium (thebaine, morphine, codeine). Legal, synthetic narcotics such as OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone) are prescribed as pain-relievers but are often diverted for illegitimate uses. Heroin is an illegal narcotic, derived from morphine.
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HALLUCINOGENS/ Dissociative Drugs
Hallucinogens , Dissociative Drugs Hallucinogens

(LSD, MDMA, XTC, peyote, psilocybin, mescaline, bufotenine)
Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs are both categories of drugs that alter a persons' state of mind and mood. Hallucinogens can cause a person to hallucinate--that is to see, hear, or feel things that aren't actually real. Hallucinogens include LSD, Mescaline (Peyote), Psilocybin, and Psilocyn (Mushrooms). Dissociative drugs, such as Ketamine or PCP, alter a persons state of mind and mood but do not cause a person to hallucinate. Dissociative drugs cause a person to detach, or dissociate, from his or her surroundings.
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Predatory Drugs/Date Rape Drugs

Rohypnol, GHB (and it's analogs), and Ketamine are considered date rape drugs because of their sedative effects. These drugs are also referred to as "predatory" drugs.
These drugs are often undetectable as they are odorless and colorless when mixed with water. The drugs tend to have a salty taste, but, when mixed with alcohol, soda, or other beverages, they are virtually undetectable. The drugs also metabolize quickly in the body leaving little physical evidence that an attack occurred. These drugs can also cause "blackouts" or anterograde amnesia where a person is unable to recall what happened to them.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
Do not take a beverage from someone you do not trust.
Do not leave your beverage unattended.
Do not take a drink from a punch bowl.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE BEEN DRUGGED?
Get help right away by requesting a drug screen. Date rape drugs are metabolized in the body very quickly and may be difficult to detect (in as little as 12 hours).
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Club DrugsClub Drugs & Raves

What are club drugs?
The term “club drugs” has been used in the past to refer to drugs primarily used by young adults at dance clubs and raves. Club drugs are still rampant in these settings, but are also appearing in other social settings within our communities, such as in bars, on college campuses, and at high school parties or gatherings. Club drugs often appear at events for young adults that are advertised as “non-alcoholic functions” in which parents assume the attendees will be supervised and safe. Club drugs include, but are not limited to, MDMA (Ecstasy), LSD, methamphetamine, GHB, ketamine, and Rohypnol. Other drugs such as marijuana and alcohol are also popular at clubs or raves. Poly-drug use is also prominent: the effects of combining different substances often are unpredictable and dangerous.

[*Bunny*]

Acid / LSD
Acid (Lysergic Acid Diethalymide), or LSD, was first discovered by Dr Albert Hoffmann in Switzerland in 1938. It is one of the most potent mind-altering chemicals known. The effective dose being measured in micrograms, rather than milligrams as is common with other drugs.

LSD comes on small pieces of blotter with distinctive, often cartoon-based designs and names like - Purple Ohms, Geminis, Strawberries, Batman's, Bart Simpsons - dosage and quality vary sharply according to type, but even within one type quality is still variable. These small squares are assumed to be one dose - they can be cut up into halves, quarters or even smaller. It also can come in a liquid form and dispensed directly in your mouth, or on a piece of candy like sweet tarts or smarties. It can also be dropped into the eye, but don't do this unless you are ok with potentially going blind! A dose is known as a Hit of Acid.

Other commonly known names include: A, Vitamin A, Acid, Dos, Doses, Tabs, ect....

First time users should be careful about taking a whole trip: rather try a fraction. Try not to be greedy with acid - it may look harmless but can really blow your mind away. Some people experience much stronger effects than others, no one seems to now why.

LSD can also be found in the form of 'microdots', which are known for being extra-strong and 'heavy' as regards their effect as well. It comes in liquid form as well: Liquid A, which is normally a drop of liquid sealed in a straw.

As with most drugs, people's experience of acid tends to be very individual. Effects begin about 30-60 minutes after ingestion, and the ‘trip' can last for anything from 5 to 24 hours, although 8 - 12 hours is most common. Effects include a rush of thoughts, wild free association and visual effects such as intensified colours, distorted shapes and sizes and slight movements in stationary objects.

Mixing or distortion of the senses can occur, as well as changes in sense of time and place. It significantly alters perception, mood, and psychological processes, and can impair motor coordination, judgement and skills. The trip tends to get more intense after 2 to 4 hours. The experiences may be pleasurable or upsetting.

You should remember that the effects you experience are due to the action of the drug on your brain and are not real, although you could forget this while tripping. True hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there) are rare, as LSD alters or distorts what already exists. However, some of these distortions might seem strange or surprising and can cause fear or panic. Anyone with psychological problems should not take LSD since pathological conditions may be intensified and in extreme cases have even led to suicide. There is also some evidence that it can cause the early onset of schizophrenia-like disorders, but this has not been proven.

The "speedy" quality of LSD is due to the actions of LSD itself , and not necessarily due to impurities. It can cause effects such a sweating, nervousness, jaw grinding and insomnia. It can also cause Nausea, but this normally passes.

Like MDMA, there's no point in taking acid continually because you won't get the same effect: tolerance (resistance to the drug's effects) builds up rapidly. Your brain needs time to rest and replenish itself. Make sure you don't have anything important planned for the next day. It may be difficult to sleep after a trip.

Serious damage caused directly by acid is rare, however, it can cause a severe anxiety reaction: a Bad Trip. This can happen if you are worried, scared or upset about something before taking it, or if something frightening suddenly happens while you're tripping (like violence, a car crash or getting arrested!). The feelings can grow in an overwhelming manner. The key factors are your mood, who you are with and where you are. The effect of Acid wears off in time, but this can take several hours.

If you are tripping in a club, you may experience a great place full of happy dancing people, or you may find the music lights and crowd frightening.

LSD is a powerful drug and you should take care of yourself after taking it.

Staying Safe:

* Make sure you take it with someone you know and trust, preferably someone who has used it before and knows how strong the effects can be.

* Make sure you are somewhere where you feel safe, secure and comfortable.

* Help friends who are having a bad trip - see the Bad Trip chapter for details.

*Avoid taking LSD if you are upset, feeling low or insecure - this could lead to a bad trip.

*Avoid taking more. The effects come on stronger after a while, and you could end up having a much stronger trip than you can handle.

* If you're having a bad time avoid flashing lights and visuals, get a friend to take you to a chill out space, outside or find someone who knows what they are doing.

What is its federal classification?Schedule I

[*Bunny*]

Adderall http://www.drugs.com/mtm/a/adderall.html

ADDERALL XR, the most prescribed brand of ADHD medication, is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 to 12 years, adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, and in adults.

The known dangers of Adderall
Since the FDA first approved Adderall in the 1990s, reports of adverse events experienced by Adderall users suggest a number of increased dangers of Adderall use. The known dangers of Adderall include:

• A high potential for Adderall abuse ~ The FDA requires that all Adderall labeling contain a black box warning about the serious dangers of Adderall abuse. Misuse of Adderall may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.
• Psychosis ~ A worsening of pre-existing mental illnesses and certain medication conditions are serious potential dangers of Adderall use.
• Drug interaction~ Combining Adderall with MAO Inhibitors and other medications can cause adverse reactions.
• Possible decreased growth and weight loss~ The dangers of Adderall may pose a threat to children who take this ADHD drug for an extended period.
• CARDIOVASCULAR SIDE EFFECTS The dangers of Adderall may increase the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke in patients using this ADHD medication.
• SUDDEN DEATH Several cases of sudden death have been reported in patients taking Adderall.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding the dangers of Adderall during pregnancy may increase the risk of a child being born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Adderall can pass through breast milk; therefore, nursing moms are urged not to take Adderall.
• Existing heart problems The dangers of Adderall are greatly increased in patients with pre-existing heart defects, high blood pressure, blood vessel disease, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Adderall should NOT be used for people who have:
· Advanced arteriosclerosis
· Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
· Moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or are hypersensitive to nervous stimulation
· A history of drug abuse or agitated states

Adderall Drug and Food Interactions
Adderall may interact with other medicines. These interactions can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, especially:
· Those used to treat depression, known as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
· Antacids
· Those used to treat urinary problems and bladder infections
· Diuretics
· Darvon, Darvocet, pain medicine
· Vitamin C and fruit juices

Drugs like Strattera, Adderall, and Concerta attempt to manipulate norepinephrine and dopamine, the two major neurotransmitters in the attention system.

They block the re-uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and indirectly modify the rate of release, thus increase the activity of these two chemicals on the brain.

This un-natural blocking of the the re-uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine can cause serious side effects that are much worse than in-attention.

What should I avoid while taking amphetamine-dextroamphetamine?

• Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

•Do not take amphetamine-dextroamphetamine late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause sleep problems (insomnia).
• Avoid drinking fruit juices or taking vitamin C at the same time you take amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. These can make your body absorb less of the medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.


Stop using amphetamine-dextroamphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
· Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
· Feeling light-headed, fainting
· Increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
· Tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches).
· Headache or dizziness
· Sleep problems (insomnia);
· Dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
· Diarrhea, constipation
· Loss of appetite, weight loss
· Loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm

Cardiac side effects:

• Palpitations
• Rapid heartbeat,
• Hypertension,
• Cardiomyopathy with chronic use of amphetamines

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine can be fatal.
• Symptoms of a amphetamine-dextroamphetamine overdose include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic,
• Symptoms of a amphetamine-dextroamphetamine overdose include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven h

• Heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What other drugs will affect amphetamine-dextroamphetamine?
· Blood pressure medications
· A diuretic (water pill)
· Cold or allergy medicines (antihistamines)
· Acetazolamide (Diamox)
· Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
· Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
· Guanethidine (Ismelin)
· Haloperidol (Haldol)
· Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
· Methenamine (Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex)
· Phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
· Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet)
· Reserpine
· Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer)
· Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Concern is mounting over the serious dangers of Adderall. In early 2006, the FDA announced that, for the past two years, they have been officially monitoring cases of cardiovascular injury and sudden death in patients taking the ADHD drug Adderall. According to officials, over 50 cases of sudden death have occurred in American adults and children taking Adderall or similar medications. While no definitive causal relationship has been proven between these deaths and ADHD drug use, this information clearly suggests that the dangers of Adderall may be more serious than once believed.

Adderall Fact: Between the years of 1990-2000 over 569 children were hospitalized, 38 of them were life threatening hospitalizations, and 186 died from the use of ADHD Drugs like Adderall...

[*Bunny*]

Alcohol
Alcohol is a natural chemical, and is produced by fermenting and distilling organic material such as hops, grapes, peaches etc. Drinks vary in the percentage of alcohol present, from beer and wine, which contains anything up to 5-15 % alcohol by volume, depending on brand, to spirits such as mampoer and witblits, which can contain up to 80% alcohol. This concentration is normally published on the packaging.

Although drinking is social pastime, alcohol is a poison and it can kill brain cells. Your body sucks up vital fluids to relieve its effects from your organs to dilute the poison. It activates the adrenal glands to speed up your metabolism so as to remove this poison as fast as possible, causing euphoria.

If you continue drinking, your body runs out of the vital fluids with which to dilute the alcohol, and becomes dehydrated. Too much alcohol generally makes you throw up. Hangovers are caused by toxins and dehydration.

Alcohol acts not as a stimulant, as is often supposed, but as a depressant. It switches off nerve impulses to areas of the brain involved in memory, judgement, and coordination.

Short-term effects of alcohol use include distorted vision, hearing, and coordination, altered perceptions and emotions, impaired judgement, bad breath and hangovers. Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments, skin problems, sexual impotence, liver damage, heart and central nervous system damage and memory loss. Alcohol can cause major neurological damage as a result of causing a thiamine (Vitamin B12) deficiency - but only in very large doses over a long period of time.

Because alcohol is legal, generally it is abused with a high frequency and with little thought. Drinking can bring on aggressive behaviour. It slows down your reflexes and confuses your mind, so you should not drive when drunk. It's very dangerous not only for you, but for your passengers and other road users. Dancing is difficult when drunk, as it can make you clumsy and uncoordinated. (<The truth ha ha)

If your family has a history of alcoholism, be especially careful about regular drinking because you could have the tendency to develop the same problem. Alcohol shouldn't be mixed with Ecstasy since it makes the danger of dehydration more severe. The same applies to depressant drugs (e.g. Heroin). Alcohol and GHB should NOT be mixed since both of them have a sedative effect on your body. Mixing the two compounds this effect, and can lead to deep unconsciousness for a few hours, even a coma.

(IF YOU MIX E AND G YOU WILL DIE FALL OVER AND DIE I AM NOT KIDDING DO NOT DO IT)

[*Bunny*]

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are any drug or hormonal substance chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone. They are taken to promote muscle growth.


Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that are derived from testosterone. They are also known as Anabolic-androgenic steroids (A-AS), and are not the same as the steroids which are used to treat conditions like eczema and asthma. Product names include Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar and Stanozol. They are taken orally or injected into a muscle. They should never be injected into a vein. They come in tablets, phials and multi-dose bottles.

They are medically prescribed to treat chronic debilitating diseases, but are also used by bodybuilders and athletes seeking increased muscle mass and strength, or to train harder. Use is banned in sport now. Some people who take them do so just to look good, since they promote muscle and bone growth.

There are many side effects, which depend on the specific drug taken, the dosage level and frequency, the duration of use, the method of ingestion, and the age and health of the user. Steroid use has the potential to effect a number of body systems and organs including the reproductive system, the muscle and skeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, liver, and the skin.

These side-effects include excess fluid in body tissues, muscle spasms, nervous tension, increased urine output, headache, dizziness, nausea, euphoria, skin rash, inflammation of the urethra, scrotal pain and irritability.

Heavy, regular use of steroids can lead to many problems. In men, these include shrunken testicles, the development of breasts and acne as well as problems with sex (can't get it up). Some of these effects are reversible when use is stopped. With woman, similar use can lead to the development of male features such as body hair and a deep voice as well as enlargement of the clitoris, which don't go away when use is stopped. Young people who are not fully grown can stunt their growth through use.

There are also psychological effects: Aggressive wired up behaviour - the "roid rage", mood swings and increased or decreased sex drive. There is a reason to believe that regular use of Anabolic Steroids is dependency producing, and that withdrawal symptoms can be experienced when trying to stop. Users might also experience manic and/or depressive effects.


Physical side effects for both males and females include:

• Elevated blood pressure.
• Elevated cholesterol levels.
• Severe acne.
• Premature balding.
• Reduced sexual function.

Physical side effects for males include:

• Abnormal breast development.
• Shrinking of the testicles.
• Infertility.

Physical side effects for females include:

• More body hair.
• Deeper voice.
• Smaller breasts.
• Fewer menstrual cycles.

[*Bunny*]

Amphetamine
Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine, are collectively referred to as amphetamines. Their chemical properties and actions are so similar that even experienced users have difficulty knowing which drug they have taken.

Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930s as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form and was used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder narcolepsy and the behavioral syndrome called minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), which today is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

During World War II, amphetamine was widely used to keep the fighting men going; both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available. As use of amphetamines spread, so did their abuse. Amphetamines became a cure-all for helping truckers to complete their long routes without falling asleep, for weight control, for helping athletes to perform better and train longer, and for treating mild depression. Intravenous amphetamine abuse spread among a subculture known as "speed freaks." With experience, it became evident that the dangers of abuse of these drugs outweighed most of their therapeutic uses.
Today, amphetamine is used as an aid in treating narcolepsy, some forms of depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Yet, due to its potential for abuse or addiction, other treatment methods are used more frequently.

BRAND NAME AMPHETAMINES: Adderall, Desoxyn, Desoxyn Gradumet, Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule and DestroStat.

SIGNS OF AMPHETAMINE OVERDOSE: Symptoms include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

WITHDRAWL EFFECTS: depression, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, "the shakes," tiredness.

BRAND NAME AMPHETAMINES:Adderall, Desoxyn, Desoxyn Gradumet, Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule and DestroStat.

[*Bunny*]

Anti-emetics -

An anti-emetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Anti-emetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics and chemotherapy directed against cancer.
Anti-emetics include:

• 5-HT3 receptor antagonists - these block serotonin receptors in the CNS and GI tract. As such, they can be used to treat post-operative and cytotoxic drug nausea & vomiting.
  • Dolasetron
  • Granisetron
  • Ondansetron
  • Tropisetron
  • Palonosetron (Aloxi, a new 5HT3 antagonist)
• Dopamine antagonists act in the brain and are used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with neoplastic disease, radiation sickness, opioids, cytotoxic drugs and general anaesthetics.
  • Domperidone
  • Droperidol, Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Promethazine, Prochlorperazine. Some of these drugs are limited in their usefullness by their extra-pyramidal and sedative side-effects.
  • Metoclopramide also acts on the GI tract as a pro-kinetic, and is thus useful in gastrointestinal disease; however, it is poor in cytotoxic or post-op vomiting.
• Antihistamines (H1 histamine receptor antagonists), effective in many conditions, including motion sickness and severe morning sickness in pregnancy.
  • Cyclizine
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Dimenhydrinate
  • Meclizine
  • Promethazine (Pentazine, Phenergan, Promacot)
  • Hydroxyzine
• Steroids
  • Dexamethasone given in low dose at the onset of a general anaesthetic for surgery is an effective anti-emetic. The specific mechanism of action is not fully understood.
• Benzodiazepines
  • Midazolam given at the onset of anaesthesia has been shown in recent trials to be as effective as ondansetron, a 5HT3 antagonist in the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting. Further studies need to be undertaken.
• Cannabinoids are second-line therapy, used in patients with cytotoxic nausea & vomiting unresponsive to other agents. Drowsiness and dizziness are frequent side-effects.
  • Cannabis
  • Marinol
• Other
  • Trimethobenzamide; thought to work on the CTZ
  • Ginger
  • Emetrol also claims to be an effective anti-emetic.
  • Propofol given intravenously has been used in an acute care setting in hospital as a rescue therapy for emesis.

• non-pharmaceutical therapies with some evidence of efficacy include acupuncture and hypnosis. All drugs have potential side effects and it is important to try to reduce the baseline risk of nausea and vomiting, particularly with respect to surgery.

Will update and edit later!

[*Bunny*]

Atropine

This is a natural occurring drug which is extremely poisonous. It is a member of the alkaloid family of drugs and is a ‘sympathetic cholinergic blocking agent'.

It is found in the plant Belladona, and can be produced synthetically as well. It appears on the market in tablets which are white and imprinted with "HOPE" and "742". They are intended for oral use only, and each tablet contains 0.4 mg Atropine. It is also sold in an eye drop solution as well as an ointment.

Use of the drug increases heart rate by slowing down some parts of the nervous system while simultaneously speeding up other parts. It increases the rate of the heart by approximately 20 - 40 beats per minute. In poisonous doses, it causes paralysis, excitement and delirium. It has a half-life of 2 to 3 hours.

It has no action on the voluntary muscles, but the nerve endings in involuntary muscles are paralysed by large doses, the paralysis finally affecting the central nervous system. Atropine also enters the central nervous system (CNS) by crossing the blood-brain barrier. This central nervous system activity, which may be either stimulating or depressing depending on the dose, can cause hallucinations, excitement, delirium, sedation and even unconsciousness. .

Atropine is used in several ways in medicine. It is used in eye surgery for the dilation of the pupil and is also used as an antidote to opium. It is also used as a pre-medication for anaesthesia as well as to lessen pain and inflammation. It has anti-spasmodic activity and is used for asthma and whooping cough. It is also used to revive a heart attack victim, as well as an antidote to nerve gas poisoning.

It was allegedly used in witches brews in ancient European cultures, and enabled the consumer to ‘fly'. It was applied by rubbing it on the pulse points on the hands and feet, as well as the genitalia.

The effect are up to 0.5 mg - Slight dryness of nose and mouth; 1 mg - Greater dryness of nose and mouth with thirst; slowing, then acceleration of heart; slight dilation of the pupils (mydriasis), 2 mg - Very dry mouth; tachycardia with palpitations; mydriasis, slight blurring of near vision; flushed, dry skin. 5 mg - Increase in above symptoms plus disturbance of speech; difficulty in swallowing; headache; hot, dry skin; restlessness with asthenia. 10 mg and over - Above symptoms to extreme degree plus ataxia, excitement, disorientation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma.

Severe atropine poisoning may be treated by a trained doctor. Death from atropine poisoning is rare, and is usually due to internal paralysis.

Atropine has been found in pills sold as E in Europe. Use should never be combined with other stimulants such as the Amphetamines (speed): the results could be fatal.

[*Bunny*]

Barbituates

What are barbiturates?

Barbiturates were introduced in the early 1900s (for medical use) as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics and anticonvulsants.

These drugs cause depression (or slowing down) of the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).

There are four kinds of barbiturates:

• "Ultra short-acting" barbiturates: Methohexital (Brevital), Thiamylal (Surital) and Thiopental (Pentothal).
• "Short-acting" and "intermediate-acting" barbiturates: Pentobarbital (Nembutal) and Secobarbital (Amytal)
• "Long-acting" barbiturates: Phenobarbital (Luminal) and Mephobarbital (Mebaral).

How are they taken?

By needle (intravenously): "Ultra short-acting" barbiturates.

By mouth: "Short-acting," "intermediate-acting" and "long-acting" barbiturates.

What are the effects?

• "Ultra short-acting" barbiturates produce anesthesia within one minute after intravenous use.
• "Short-acting" and "intermediate-acting" barbiturates take effect within 15 to 40 minutes and last up to six hours. Used for sedation or to induce sleep.
• "Long-acting" barbiturates take effect in an hour and last up to 12 hours. Used primarily for daytime sedation and the treatment of seizure disorders or mild anxiety.

The effects of all barbiturates resemble those of alcohol intoxication including:

• Slurred speech.
• Loss of motor coordination.
• Impaired judgment.

What are the dangers?

Physical dependence (aka: addiction).

Tolerance, which results in the need to take higher doses to get the same effect. These higher doses could be deadly and lead to an overdose.

Withdrawal from the use of depressants can lead to seizures, delirium and death.

Are they addictive?

Addiction rarely occurs among people who use a pain reliever, CNS depressant, or stimulant as prescribed; however, inappropriate use of prescription drugs can lead to addiction in some cases.