Methylphenidate Opiates

Several classes of drugs modulate the firing rates or patterns of midbrain dopamine neurons by direct, monosynaptic, or indirect, polysynaptic, inputs to the cell bodies within the ventral mesencephalon (i.e., nicotine and opiates). In contrast, amphetamine, cocaine, and methylphenidate act at the level of the dopamine terminal interfering with normal processes of transmitter packaging, release, reuptake, and metabolism. 

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids and opiates such as oxycodone and morphine, central nervous system depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Brand-name painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin, depressants such as Valium and Xanax, and stimulants such as Ritalin and Dexedrine are commonly abused (as are some OTC cough remedies). Although helpful and safe when used appropriately, these drugs can cause serious harm when taken in unapproved ways. 

After drugs are approved, the FDA tracks reports of errors due to drug name confusion and spreads the word to health professionals, along with recommendations for avoiding future problems. For example, the FDA has reported errors involving the inadvertent administration of methadone, a drug used to treat opiate dependence, rather than the intended Metadate ER (methylphenidate) for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity... 

Ritalin and related generic methylphenidate drugs are available by prescription for individuals six years and older. Ritalin is distributed in 5, 10, and 20 mg tablets. In addition to ADHD, methylphenidate is used for several other medical conditions. It continues to be used for narcolepsy. It has also been used in treating depression, especially in elderly populations. Methylphenidate has been suggested for use in the treatment of brain injury from stroke or brain trauma it has also been suggested to improve appetite and the mood of cancer and HIV patients. Another use is for pain control and/or sedation for patients using opiates. 

HA, mild pain Action Nonnarco tic analgesic w/ barbiturate Dose 1—2 tabs or caps PO q4-6h PRN i in renal/hepatic impair 4 g/24 h APAP max Caution [C, D, +] Alcoholic liver Dz Contra G6PD deficiency Disp Caps, Liq, tabs SE Drowsiness, dizziness, hangover effect Interactions T Effects OF benzodiazepines, opiate analgesics, sedatives/hypnotics, EtOH, methylphenidate hydrochloride i effects OF MAOIs, TCAs, corticosteroids, theophylline, OCPs, BBs, doxycycline EMS See Acetaminophen may impair coordination, monitor for depression concurrent EtOH use T CNS depression butalbital is habit forming... 

Methylphenidate also has been used to treat other medical conditions. For example, it has been used as a short-term treatment for depression in the medically ill, as an adjunct to conventional antidepressants for patients with major depressive disorder, and in combination with opiates for pain control. Methylphenidate has been prescribed to reduce apathy in patients with dementia or other brain diseases (28,34,35). 

Opiates snch as morphine and codeine are thonght to enhance the release by nenrons of the nenrotransmitter dopamine the release of dopamine leads to a sense of enphoria. These drugs are addictive and are often abused. In general, all antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine receptors in the forebrain. Nicotine mimics the action of the nenrotransmitter acetylcholine at receptors having to do with the transmission of signals between antonomic nerve cells and skeletal muscle, see also Caffeine Epinephrine Methylphenidate Neurochemistry Neurotransmitters Norepinephrine. 

Examples of Schedule II drugs are opiates and opioids (narcotics)—straight opiates of codeine, morphine, meperidine stimulants—amphetamine, methylphenidate depressants— amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, or any combination, that is, Tuinal hallucinogenic substances and any immediate precursors. 

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