GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric-acid) is a drug that was initially synthesized in 1874 by Alexander Zaytsev, but its effects weren’t researched in humans until the 1960s. Upon administration to humans, it was discovered that GHB functions as a short-acting CNS depressant. GHB alters neurotransmission via binding to multiple receptor sites within the brain including: GHB receptors and GABA(B) …
Spice and “K2” refer to various retail products containing herbs laced with synthetic cannabinoids. The synthetic cannabinoids within Spice and K2 are often considered functionally similar to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol) derived from cannabis in that they bind to cannabinoid receptors within the brain, and act as agonists. This cannabinoid receptor agonism facilitates intoxicating effects similar to …
Tramadol (brand name “Ultram”) is a synthetic drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It initially hit the market in 1995 as an immediate-release (IR) drug, and was since also engineered into an extended-release (ER) drug in 2005. Compared to many other pain medications, Tramadol is unique in that …
Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine medication utilized primarily for the treatment of anxiety disorders and acute epilepsy. It is also prescribed off-label for a host of other medical conditions including: acute mania, akathisia, bruxism, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. As a benzodiazepine, it functions principally by modulating the neurotransmission of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) within the …
Subutex is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is typically utilized as an agent in opioid replacement therapy to help individuals transition off of more potent (often illicit) opioidergic drugs such as oxycodone and heroin. In other words, an individual who was previously ingesting …
Ambien (Zolpidem) is a popular medication prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. It is classified as a “nonbenzodiazepine” due to the fact that it shares a similar mechanism of action with benzodiazepines, but differs in its chemical structure. Ambien delivers its sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing) effects by modulating receptors of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid). It specifically functions primarily …
Suboxone is a semisynthetic drug manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser pharmaceuticals for the treatment of opioid dependence. It was introduced to the market in October 2002 and gained popularity as a result of its efficacy and reduced potential for abuse compared to other opioid replacement agents such as methadone. The drug is comprised of the ingredients …