ADHD is a childhood psychiatric disorder that is …show more content…
However, cocaine also has the potential to produce dangerous physical effects as well. One major area of concern in cocaine users are the effects of cocaine on the cardiovascular system. Out of 233 emergency visits involving cocaine-using patients, 56% of the patients were presented with cardiovascular complaints. Cocaine has the ability to create systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis.The use of cocaine causes an increase in the demand of myocardial oxygen. It is through the mediation of α-adrenergic stimulation that increases the individual’s heart rate and blood pressure which in turn, causes the increased demand of myocardial oxygen. These effects are created by the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the stimulation of the central sympathetic outflow and the increased sensitivity of the adrenergic nerve endings to norepinephrine. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system is produced by inhibiting the reuptake of catecholamine at the sympathetic nerve terminals. On top of these effects, cocaine has the ability to act like a class I antiarrhythmic agent which blocks sodium and potassium channels. The blockage of these channels causes the depression of cardiovascular parameters such as decreased myocardial contractility due to cocaine usage. Another set of effects produced by the use of cocaine is the …show more content…
Cocaine Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine on April 3, 2016
Amphetamines, which stimulate the central nervous system, have the ability to become an addictive and abuse drug due to its euphoric-inducing properties. Typical CNS effects that amphetamines produce are improved cognitive control, an increased ability to stay awake, and the heightened sense of well-being. However, negative side effects can occur as well such as delusions and paranoia. The effects produced by amphetamines are due to the enhanced effects the drug has on three key