PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATIONS EXAMPLES AND ITS EFFECT
OF DRUGS
1. Central Nervous System (CNS) Alcohol – sometimes referred to by
Depressants the chemical name ethanol.
- CNS depressants slow down the Short-term effects – relaxation or
operations of the brain and the body. drowsiness, sense of euphoria,
Making them useful for treating anxiety, impulsive behavior, slowed or slurred
panic, acute stress reactions and sleep speech, nausea, vomiting, loss of
disorders. coordination and consciousness.
Long-term effects – insomnia, anxiety
and irritability, loss of appetite,
difficulty focusing on tasks and
weakened immune system.
Barbiturates – group of synthetic
drugs that slows down the central
nervous system and incites
sleepiness, mild euphoria, lack of
restraint, relief of anxiety,
impairment of memory,
judgement, and coordination,
irritability, paranoia and suicidal
ideation.
2. CNS Stimulants Cocaine – known as crack, a
- medicines that stimulate the brain, powerfully addictive stimulant drug.
speeding up both mental and physical Short-term effects – extreme
processes. Accelerate the heart rate and sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight,
elevate the blood pressure and "speed- intense happiness, irritability,
up," or over-stimulate, the body. paranoia, and decreased appetite.
Long-term effects – headaches,
convulsions, seizures, heart disease or
problems, mood problems, sexual
problems, lung damage, bowel decay,
and hepatitis.
Methamphetamine – also known as
ice or crystal meth. Setting off
increased wakefulness, higher levels
of physical activity, a sense of well-
being or euphoria, decreased
appetite, faster breathing, irregular
heartbeat, higher blood pressure,
increased blood pressure.
3. Hallucinogens Peyote – a small cactus that contains
- These drugs are either synthetically chemicals called mescaline that
manufactured or derived from plants creates hallucinations, nausea,
that can cause the user to perceive things elevated body temperature, chills and
differently than they actually are. sweating or shivering.
Ecstasy – common name for the
illegal synthetic drug called
methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
Short-term effects – euphoria,
accelerated heart rate, high blood
pressure, nausea, jaw clenching,
muscle aches and pains, dilated
pupils, loss of appetite, heightened
senses, increased sex drive, and loss
of inhibitions.
Long-term effects – changes in
perception, aggression or paranoia,
anxiety, irritability and vomiting.
4. Dissociative Anesthetics PCP (Phencyclidine) – usually comes
- a class of psychedelic drugs, sometimes as white powder, which can be
shortened to “dissociatives” that inhibits dissolved in alcohol or water.
pain by cutting off or dissociating the Resulting in numbness in extremities,
brain's perception of the pain. Distorting inability to feel pain, high blood
sensory perceptions. pressure, blurred vision, difficulty
speaking, and uncontrolled eye
movement, lack of body control, rigid
muscles and unconsciousness.
Dextromethorphan – a cough
suppressant in over-the-counter cold
and cough medicine. If abused, it
leads to confusion, difficulty in
urination, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
slowed breathing and confusion.
5. Narcotic Analgesics Opium – narcotic drug obtained from
- are prescription pain relievers ordered the unripe of the plant called opium
for treatment of moderate pain to severer poppy that causes euphoria and
pain, induce euphoria, and create mood suppresses pain, if abused; it
changes in the user. produces constipation, drowsiness,
impaired coordination, and respiratory
depression (shallow breathing).
Heroin – a black or white powder
opioid drug made from morphine.
Inducing drowsiness, respiratory
depression, slowed heart rate,
constipation, infections, collapsing of
veins, and organ damage.
6. Inhalants Paint thinners – a solvent used to thin
- are volatile substances that produce oil-based paints. Causing irritation,
chemical vapors that can be inhaled and dizziness, headache, nausea,
produce mind-altering results and effects. respiratory issues and damage to the
kidneys, liver and nervous system.
Hair sprays – topical formulations
containing polymers, solvents, and
additives. Bringing irritation to the
eyes, nose, throat and can lead to
respiratory issues.
7. Cannabis Marijuana – the dried leaves,
- the scientific name for marijuana. A flowers, stems, and seeds from the
term for derivatives of the Cannabis Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica
sativa plant that are used to ease plant.
symptoms caused by certain medical Short-term effects – euphoria and
conditions. The active ingredient in sense of relaxation, heightened
cannabis is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, sensory perception, laughter,
or THC. This category includes altered perception of time and
cannabinoids and synthetics like increased appetite.
Dronabinol. Long-term effects - impairment of
memory and concentration,
heightened anxiety and paranoia,
impair motor skills and
coordination, reduce reaction time
and can cause heart problems.
Hashish – a reddish-brown to black
colored resinous material of the
cannabis plant. It is dried, pressed
into small blocks and smoked.
Short-term effects – distorted
perception, paranoia, difficulty
thinking, loss of motor coordination,
increased heart rate and anxiety.
Long-term effects – increases the risk
of chronic cough and bronchitis
including heart and respiratory
problems.
