Drugs producing dependence of the barbiturate-type include not only barbiturates but also some sedatives chemically related to them or to alcohol. In addition, some (but not all) drugs commonly referred to as “tranquillizers” produce dependence of this kind; among those that produce barbituratetype dependence are certain anti-anxiety agents, such as diazepam (Valium) and meprobamate […]
When this increasing use is carried to an extreme, the psychotoxic effects of large amounts of amphetamine-type drugs may lead to aggressive and dangerous anti-social behavior. Qualitatively, the psychological effects are in many respects similar to those produced by cocaine. It must be emphasized that the effects are dose-related. The occasional, or even the […]
The signs and symptoms of alcohol and of barbiturate intoxication are similar, as are the signs and symptoms of abstinence of these drugs. In addition, barbiturates will suppress the effects of alcohol withdrawal, and alcohol will suppress, at least partially, the symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal. Drug dependence of the alcohol-type may be said to exist […]
The use or abuse of narcotic drugs is characterized by dependence phenomena. Drug dependence is a psychological and sometimes physical state resulting from the interaction between a living organism and a drug, characterized by behavioral and other responses that always include a compulsion to take the drug on a continuous or periodic basis in order […]
Important questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
(1) What is the name of this medicine or drug?
(2) What results can be expected from taking it?
(3) How long should I wait before reporting if this medicine does not help me?
(4) How does the substance work?
(5) What is the exact dose of the medicine or drug?
(6) What […]
The drugs that are addictive andJor often abused include very valuable substances that, taken in moderate doses that have been properly prescribed, relieve pain and produce sleep, but in large doses cause various physical and psychological effects, including stupor, coma and, commonly, convulsions. Among the habit-forming drugs are opium and its derivatives, cocaine, amphetamines and […]
The great number of reactions of the skin to the administration of drugs warrants a separate discussion.
The skin is the organ most commonly affected by severe, undesirable effects of drugs, and this can occur by a variety of different mechanisms: rashes and the like, which follow the taking of drugs, are often classed as allergic, […]
SIDE EFFECTS
The term side effects, or “adverse drug reactions” embodies a wide variety of toxic drug reactions that occur in numerous types of treatment. Assessing the incidence and consequences of side effects is extremely difficult, as causeand-effect relationships are often difficult or impossible to prove.
The ultimate proof, which may be unobtainable in cases of […]
Drug interactions are defined as the alteration of the effects of one drug by the prior or concurrent administration of another and the usual result is an increase or decrease of the effects of one of the drugs.
Desired interactions are usually considered in the context of “combination therapy” (for example, in the treatment of raised […]
A medicine is any drug or other agent used to treat or prevent disease or to treat injury. The term medicine is generally used as a synonym for “drug.” In devising medicines for treating common conditions, an especially desirable factor is that the medicine should be capable of being taken by mouth that is, that […]