Lorazepam (brand name “Ativan”) is a benzodiazepine drug that hit the market in 1977 and is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. Although it is a highly effective treatment option for anxiety when used over a short-term, it is regarded as problematic when taken over an extended duration. Long-term usage of lorazepam is linked to dementia, …
PCP (Phencyclidine), commonly referred to as “Angel Dust,” was first synthesized in the 1950s and initially approved by the FDA as an anesthetic under the brand Sernyl. As a result of its extended half-life (approximately 3 days) and adverse psychotomimetic effects (e.g. hallucinations), it was taken off the market in 1965. Despite its removal from …
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a psychedelic drug initially synthesized in 1938 by Albert Hofmann from ergotamine, a chemical derivative of ergot (a grain fungus). In the United States, the drug is considered a Schedule I controlled-substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use and there is a lack of safety associated with its administration. …
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic psychoactive substance known for its combination of euphoric and empathogenic effects. In the United States, it is commonly referred to as ecstasy and/or “Molly.” MDMA is considered a Schedule I controlled-substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and is considered unsafe when utilized outside …
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a Schedule I controlled-substance in the United States and is considered the single most addictive drug in the world. Compared to other popular illicit drugs, heroin is associated with the highest likelihood of physical and psychological dependence. When injected intravenously, heroin avoids first-pass metabolism, meaning none of the drug is metabolized before …
Methamphetamine (MAMP), commonly referred to as “meth,” is an illicit Schedule II controlled-substance in the United States. It is often used recreationally for a variety of reasons such as to: attain a temporary state of euphoria, enhance sexual experiences, promote wakefulness, boost motivation, and/or bolster cognitive function. The pleasurable experience associated with methamphetamine usage is derived …
Nicotine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid derived from Solanaceae plant and is commonly considered one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Upon ingestion of nicotine, it is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, and within 10 seconds it reaches your brain. In the brain, it stimulates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) as an agonist to …