Exam 8: Sympathomimetics

Exercise increases noradrenergic and dopaminergic signaling in regions of the brain that have some overlap with the regions affected by ADHD.

Children with ADHD often develop much more rapidly than their age-matched peers and exhibit high levels of restlessness and increased motor activity.

Some sympathomimetic drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels by displacing it from its storage sites.

Which of the following is not true of ephedra?

Ephedra is a very potent appetite suppressor and can lead to rapid weight loss.

Why is phenylephrine useful when one is suffering from a cold?

Research on ADHD has been slow because it is not possible to replicate the symptoms in laboratory animals.

Many patients with ADHD respond paradoxically to methylphenidate or amphetamine compared to healthy individuals; they become calmer and better able to manage their attention span.

All sympathomimetic drugs, epinephrine, and other catecholamines easily cross the blood brain barrier and concentrate in the brain.

Amphetamines block norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake in the brain.

An indication for sympathomimetics is the neurological condition known as ______________, in which the patient suffers from overwhelming daytime drowsiness.

Sympathomimetics like ephedrine can have an additive effect with epinephrine at high exercise intensity and show clear ergogenic activity.

Amphetamine increases pain tolerance potentially leading to greater tissue damage when injured.

Use of cocaine as a stimulant is a modern phenomena as it dates back to the first commercially available Coca Cola.

Vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow to the skin can cause overheating in physically active abusers of amphetamine and cocaine.