Methadone is a popular synthetic opioid utilized for the treatment of opioid dependence as a “replacement therapy.” Individuals addicted to highly potent opioidergic agents (e.g. heroin) are often prescribed methadone as a transitory “replacement” drug. Administration of methadone as a replacement over heroin is preferred because it is medically viewed as being slightly less addictive. …
Ritalin is a psychostimulant drug used medically for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, which functions as a catecholamine reuptake inhibitor, primarily of dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters. This reuptake inhibition (NDRI) facilitates increases in extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations, thereby substantially enhancing neurophysiological arousal. Upon …
“Shrooms” commonly refers to over 200 species of mushrooms containing the active psychedelic compound known as “psilocybin.” Psilocybin itself is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until ingested and broken down (metabolized) within the body. Upon metabolism of psilocybin, it is converted to the active metabolite “psilocin” which functions primarily as a 5-HT2A receptor partial …
Codeine (3-methylmorphine) is an opioid medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe coughing (antitussive), mild to moderate pain (analgesic), and/or uncontrollable diarrhea (antidiarrheal). It is considered a natural form of methylated morphine and is the second-most significant alkaloid in opium, accounting for up to 3%. In the United States, codeine is typically manufactured in …
Percocet is a brand name medication comprised of active ingredients oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (paracetamol). It was first introduced to Germany in 1917 as an intravenous formulation for pain management among soldiers in World War I. Eventually it received approval in the United States (1976) as an oral (tablet) formulation as a narcotic …
Hydrocodone is a popular pharmaceutical drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe pain, and in some cases as an antitussive agent to mitigate chronic coughing. It is a semi-synthetic drug in that it is synthesized from codeine (an opioid alkaloid derived from opium poppy). Upon ingestion of hydrocodone, it facilitates analgesic effects via binding …
Xanax (Alprazolam) is regarded as the single most popular benzodiazepine in the world. It is a highly effective drug when utilized for the medical treatment of acute anxiety, panic attacks, and social phobia. This is due to the fact that Xanax modulates the neurotransmission of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), specifically at the GABA-A receptor sites. To …