Narcotics

Semisynthetic Compounds: Heroin

Chemical derivative of morphine, initially introduced as "cure" for opium and morphine addiction. Has no medical use today. Because of its chemical structure, heroin reaches the CNS more rapidly than morphine. Shortly after using the drug, it creates a "rush" of intense euphoria. Withdrawal symptoms after 8-12 hours

Semisynthetic Compounds: Oxycodone

Chemically derived from codeine, though it is more potent. Produced potent euphoria, analgesia, and sedative effects and has a dependence potential similar to morphine. Generally sold as a combination drug, either as the drug Percodan (oxycodone, ASA, and caffeine), or as Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)

Effects

Depress CNS functions. Produce euphoria in the user, provide a sense of well-being and produce drowsiness that may lead to sleep. Unlike other CNS depressants, there is usually no loss of motor coordination or loss of consciousness with their use, unless the dose is large or persons is ill or fatigued

Synthetic Compounds

Derived entirely within the laboratory setting

Narcotics

Derived from naturally occurring substances and can also be manufactured synthetically. Narcotics or opiates/opioids are drugs that cause sedation and euphoria by causing depression of the CNS. Are used medically to relieve pain, suppress cough, and control diarrhea. Overdose can cause death by respiratory depression. Some have no medical use (heroin)

AMF Effects

Fast acting but short-lasting. Will experience: euphoria, mental confusion, a feeling of warmth, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, constriction of the pupils, constipation and nausea, low doses can cause muscle rigidity (especially with breathing), attack the basal ganglia resulting in parkinson's-like syndrome. Muscular rigidity that include mask-like face, and shuffling walk, difficult speaking and swallowing, drooling can cause permanent damage and requires meds to control effects

Physical Effects of Narcotics PT 2

HR and BP are not greatly affected by narcotic drugs but affects circulation and leads to dizziness. Can affect respiratory system and main cause of OD deaths. Nausea, vomiting, increase acid flow in stomach, contraction of pupils, constipation

Semisynthetic Compounds: Speedball

Heroin and cocaine

Natural Occurring: Opium

Main source of the natural occurring narcotic drugs. It is produced from the poppy, Papauver somniferum

Narcotic Analogs (Designer Narcotics)

Narcotic analogs are designer narcotics made to mimic the effects of narcotic drugs. Were initially produced to skirt existing drug laws, but a change in federal drug laws in 1986 made all analogs of controlled substances Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substance Act. Sold under: China White, Persian White, Mexican Brown, and "new heroin." Two primary: fentanyl and meperidine analogs

Synthetic Compounds: Buprenorphine

Opioid partial agonist. Can produce typical opioid agonist effects and side effects such as euphoria an respiratory depression, its maximal effects are less than those of full agents like heroin and methadone. Carries a lower risk of abuse, addiction and side effects compared to full opioid agonists. Created Subtext and a buprenorphine/naloxone combination product (Suboxone) for use in opioid addiction treatment

Semisynthetic Compounds: Heroin Consequences

Possesses a higher potential for psychological and physical dependence and may lead to social deterioration, reduced motivation, or infection from needles. Rapid development of tolerance requires larger dose. May resort to criminal acts for heroin.

MPPP and PEPAP

Potent analog of the drug meperidine (Demerol). Effects unknown but include euphoria, disorientation and mild mental confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances, and respiratory depression. May last up to 3 hours. Higher doses result in sleep, inability to concentrate, increased respiratory depression, dilation of the pupils, muscle twitches, and tremors.

Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914

The federal government finally began controlling access to narcotics. Law established a mechanism of record keeping for the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale and prescription of narcotic drugs. Outlawed non-medical use of heroin. Required narcotic addicts to be registered, and forbid physicians from prescribing narcotics to known addicts

Natural Occurring: Morphine

The main alkaloid ingredient of opium. It is used as a sedative and a painkiller. Used to treat post operative pain and anesthesia in heart surgeries as it has no depressant effect on heart surgeries

Narcotics

Used to describe the family of drugs that are used as an analgesic (pain-relieving) compound and occasionally to induce sleep. Sometimes referred to as opiates (because they are derived from the opium poppy plant of made synthetically to have the same actions as morphine, a major ingredient in opium). Highly addicting

Synthetic Compounds: Propoxyphene

(Darvon) For relief of mild to moderate pain. Only 1/5 to 1/10 as potent as codeine. Greatest concern when combined with alcohol - it ranks second to barbiturates in prescription overdose deaths

Synthetic Compounds: Meperidine

(Demerol) the first synthetic narcotic ever produced. Similar properties to morphine. Tolerance to the drug's effects develop slowly. Most commonly reported drug abuse among physicians and nursing professionals who are dependent on narcotic agents due to its use in medical settings.

Synthetic Compounds: Methadone

(Dolophine) synthetic narcotic, similar in potency to morphine. Has been used to treat heroin addiction and withdrawal from narcotics. Effects lasts for 24-36 hours and is highly effective when administered orally. The drug appears to block the effects of other narcotic drugs, making methadone a valuable tool in the treatment of heroin and other narcotic addictions. Produce physical and psychological dependence (although slowly)

Synthetic Compounds: Pentazocine

(Talwin) Analgesic without the dependency problems associated with other narcotics. Has become a popular drug of abuse because of the euphoria it produces as well as pleasant sensations of floating. When combined with OTC antihistamines, pyribenzamine, and injected, produces heroin-like effects and combo is called T's and Blues.

Classifications

1) Naturally occurring compounds (opium, morphine, and codeine), 2) Semisynthetic compounds (heroin and hydromorphone - derived by modifying the chemicals produced in opium), 3) synthetic compounds - made entirely in the laboratory, such as Demerol, methadone and Darvon

Semisynthetic Compounds: Hydomorphone

AKA Dilaudid is a chemical variation of morphine. It is sold in tablet and injectable form. It is shorter-acting and more sedative drug than morphine. Its potency is 2-8 times that of morphine, making this compound a highly addicting drug

Semisynthetic Compounds: Heroin Physical Effect

Acts primarily on the CNS and parasympathetic nervous system producing drowsiness, mental clouding and reduced ability to concentrate. Many report a reduction in feelings of aggression, depressed appetite and sex drive, and a general decline in the level of physical activity. Moderate doses can cause feelings of body warmth, heaviness of the limbs, itchiness (of nose), constipation, and construction of the pupils. Larger doses lead to sleep, decreased blood pressure and slowed breathing. Tolerance develops quickly. The drug is taken solely to prevent withdrawal

Physical Effects of Narcotics

After taking a narcotic drug, a person generally becomes less active and finds it difficult to concentrate. Generally become drowsy and may fall asleep for a short period of time. Many users experience a pleasant "high" or euphoria. This effect is why users continue to use

Natural Occurring: Codeine

Alkaloid found in opium, though most codeine is a manufactured from morphine

AMF (alpha-methylfentanyl)

Analog of the drug fentanyl, a highly potent narcotic analgesic sold under the trade name of Sublimaze. Extremely potent compound which has little difference between the dose that produces euphoria and the one that is fatal.

Synthetic Compounds: OxyContin

Brand name for a semisynthetic opioid analgesic prescribed from chronic moderate to severe pain. Its active ingredient is oxycodone which is also found in drugs like Percodan and Tylox. More potent than hydrocodone and has a greater potential for abuse. One of the most popular and abused painkillers. Work primarily through interaction with the mu opioid receptors, especially in the brain and spinal cord and produces euphoric effect.

Narcotic Withdrawal

watering eyes, nasal discharge, uncontrollable yawning, and heavy sweating. Followed by agitated sleep, loss of appetite, depression, dilated pupils and tremors. At peak of withdrawal (36-72 hours) symptoms include alternating chills and flushing, insomnia, continue loss of appetite, violent yawning and sneezing, "gooseflesh," vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, elevate HR and BP, pains in the muscles, bones and joints, muscle spasms and jerking motions. Severity of effects decline in 5-7 days. Generally not fatal.