Diltiazem, a CCB drug, has been evidenced to be useful in hypertension, angina, and cardiovascular disease. Diltiazem has vasodilatory effects on arterial vessels and it increasesthe reflex in sympathetic response. Its overall effect in CVD is a drop in blood pressure and an increase in cardiac output, heart rate and contractility (Gura 2008). Other than CVD,diltiazem has also been suggested to be useful in general cognitive enhancement on the basis of its ability to improve learning and memory in adult animals (Quartermain et al. 2001). The concentrations (dose) employed in the study were chosenafter performing the pilot studies starting with very low dose and referring to the previous reports. A range of concentrations have been used in animals varying from as low as 5 mg/kg …show more content…
2006). Diltiazem thus, by blocking Ca2+ effects, avoids these adverse effects of calcium dysregulation. Furthermore, diltiazem also showed anti-inflammatory effects by stimulating production of anti-inflammatory mediators IL-10 and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator IL-6 (Dubey and Hesong 2006). Even though, numerous studies have suggested the neuroprotective potential of calcium channel blockers in disorders such as parkinsonism (Ritz et al. 2010), Alzheimer’s disease (Anekonda and Quinn 2011), focal cerebral ischemia (Takahara et al. 2004) and spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (Fansa et al. 2009). However, till date, none of the reports suggest the memory restorative ability of diltiazem. This is the first report in itself that speculates the protective role of diltiazem in memory and learning, although this also necessitates in-depth evaluation of the exact mechanism of diltiazem in dementia. Thus, from the literature survey and data in hand, it may be concluded that diltiazem has a neuroprotective effect on ICV-STZ-induced behavioural and biochemical parameters in
A thin, stretchy sheath about two inches in diameter and six to eight inches long, designed to be worn over penis during sex. Condoms form a physical barrier between penis and the vagina. After ejaculation the tip of the condom holds the semen and prevents it from traveling to woman's reproductive system to fertilize the egg.
This paper will outline the background of Zolpidem; going through the history of the drug. The drugs path of movement through the body or the pharmacokinetics will also be explained. The process of absorption, distribution, and inactivation will be covered in the pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamics of the drug will be covered; explaining the sites of action and the areas of the brain that are affected by the drug. The potential for tolerance and dependence to be developed will also be examined. The level of toxicity of Zolpidem along with the potential side effects. The drug’s effectiveness as a form of psychotherapy will also be analyzed.
Sildenafil Citrate, more commonly known by the brand name Viagra, has become one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence. Erectile Dysfunction is best defined as the inability to maintain an erection necessary for sexual satisfaction. Sildenafil has been shown to be effective for a "broad range ED patients, including those with a history of mellitus, depression, … hypertension, diabetes, …and spinal chord injury" (Sildenafil Citrate, par. 29).
The second part of this lab was a computer simulation program to illustrate a frog’s electrocardiogram using various drugs in an isolated setting. The computer program entitled “Effects of Drugs on the Frog Heart” allowed experimental conditions to be set for specific drugs. The different drugs used were calcium, digitalis, pilocarpine, atropine, potassium, epinephrine, caffeine, and nicotine. Each of these drugs caused a different electrocardiogram and beats per minute reading. The calcium-magnesium ration affects “the permeability of the cell membrane”(Fox). When calcium is placed directly on the heart it results in three physiological functions. The force of the heart increases while the cardiac rate decreases. It also causes the appearance of “ectopic pacemakers in the ventricles, producing abnormal rhythms” (Fox). Digitalis’ affect on the heart is very similar to that of calcium. It inhibits the sodium-potassium pump activated by ATP that promotes the uptake of extracellular calcium by the heart. This in return strengthens myocardial contraction (Springhouse). Pilocarpine on the other hand
Lack of acetylcholine is the main cause for loss of memory. In most people throughout the aging process, acetylcholine degenerates over time at a normal rate. In people affected by Alzheimer’s, acetylcholine degenerates at more than double the rate of people unaffected with this disease. Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter in the brain that allows communication of information from one nerve cell to an...
Morphine is a highly addictive opiate psychoactive painkiller. It is often used before or after surgery to alleviate severe pain. Morphine acts by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. The drug was originally derived from the poppy seed plant before it was chemically enhanced and manufactured. Starting off, the drug was used to cure alcoholism and certain types of addictions. This didn’t last very long considering morphine was found to be much more addictive than alcohol. In the early 1900s, morphine was identified as a controlled substance under the Harrison Act. The Harrison Act was put in place to control morphine by making it only legal for those with a prescription for the drug to carry and use it. It is now considered a Schedule I&II drug, which basically defines the levels of enforcement against the drugs. At the time, morphine was the most commonly abused drug, because of its mind-numbing, and reality shattering capabilities.
The Aleut people is the native people of the Aleutian Islands in the western part of Alaska. The earliest people in this region, the Paleo-Aleuts, arrived in the Aleutian islands from the the Alaskan mainland about 2000 BC (Encyclopedia Britannica). Traditional Aleut medicine was quite comprehensive. They had a vast knowledge of how the human body work. In this essay we will explore the history of the traditional Aleut medicine and the many methods they used.
Ecstasy is Methylene Dioxymethamphetamine, often abbreviated as MDMA. This drug is a member of the same family of drugs that include amphetamine and LSD. I once believed that ecstasy was a mixture of methamphetamine and LSD, but as I researched, I found out that it has its own chemical structure. Ecstasy is not a mixture of other drugs; it is something all its own.
It is said that memory declines as people age, and this can be just a natural part of life. However, in many cases as people grow older, they develop a mental disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and overall behavior, and progressively becomes a bigger problem. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is a very common disease in people over the age of 65. This terminal disease puts tremendous stress on the victim and the victim’s family. A cure for Alzheimer’s has yet to be discovered; however, through healthy and constant use of the brain and the aid of certain drug treatments, Alzheimer’s disease can be both naturally and medically prevented.
At first it was the cure all people were looking for. Then it became the drug they were afraid to take. Somewhere between these two extremes lies the truth about the drug Flouxetine, better known as Prozac, the most widely prescribed drug on the globe. It is mainly prescribed to patients suffering from clinical depression. It was first brought to the market in 1988 by the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly co. Even though it was originally prescribed for depression, it has been prescribed for everything from eating disorders to insomnia. It was first considered the wonder drug of the new decade because of the way it helped depression patients when no other anti-depressant could and then also found to help many other personality disorders as well. But now it is frowned upon by many. Some of the side effects contributed to the growing opposition of Prozac include nausea, constipation, memory impairment, and excess sweating, just to name a few.
Zoloft was first introduced to the United States in 1980’s. Another name for Zoloft is sertraline and is in a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. At first Zoloft was made to treat major depressive disorder, but as the drug progressed over time it can now treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft is the most commonly used antidepressant because it works extremely well, it is safe, and its side effects are not as serious as other antidepressants.
Several studies have been done to try to determine what makes someone go from using a drug once experimentally to becoming a drug addict. One of the most popular theories was created by Inaba and Cohen that is called the Biopsychosocial Theory. This theory takes many different factors in hand to try to explain further how a drug addiction has been influenced using three different factors, heredity, environment, and the use of psychoactive drugs (Inaba and Cohen 75). It has been found that the “intial structure and chemistry of the nervous system” is passed down through many generations and that “behaviors seem to have an inheritable component (Inaba and Cohen 76). This shows that certain actions that are associated with drugs, gambeling, etc can be influenced by addictive behaviors that were prevalent generations ago. Environment plays a huge factor in determining how drug addiction will affect a person, family dynamics, age, race, peer pressure, and tragedy are reasons someone may feel compelled to use which could lead to later continual drug abuse. Lastly, the use of psychoactive drugs plays an essential part in turning an experimental phase into a full blown drug addiction.