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Pharmacology of Drugs Used as Stimulants
Author(s) -
Docherty James R.,
Alsufyani Hadeel A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/jcph.1918
Subject(s) - mdma , serotonergic , pharmacology , dopamine , amphetamine , reuptake , norepinephrine transporter , serotonin , dopaminergic , monoamine neurotransmitter , norepinephrine , neurotransmitter , methamphetamine , fenfluramine , medicine , receptor
Psychostimulant, cardiovascular, and temperature actions of stimulants involve adrenergic (norepinephrine), dopaminergic (dopamine), and serotonergic (serotonin) pathways. Stimulants such as amphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or mephedrone can act on the neuronal membrane monoamine transporters NET, DAT, and SERT and/or the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 to inhibit reuptake of neurotransmitter or cause release by reverse transport. Stimulants may have additional effects involving pre‐ and postsynaptic/junctional receptors for norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin and other receptors. As a result, stimulants may have a wide range of possible actions. Agents with cocaine or MDMA‐like actions can induce serious and potentially fatal adverse events via thermodysregulatory, cardiovascular, or other mechanisms. MDMA‐like stimulants may cause hyperthermia that can be life threathening. Recreational users of stimulants should be aware of the dangers of hyperthermia in a rave/club environment.