Question

Compare and contrast cocaine with amphetamine in terms of how it’s consumed, its different uses, the effects it has on the user, and how it manipulates monoamine activity (is the manipulation agonistic or antagonistic?). What kind of long-term effects do stimulants have on the health of habitual users

Answer 1

The Difference Between Amphetamines and Cocaine

Growing in the Andes mountains, cocaine is naturally derived from the coca plant. Amphetamines, on the other hand, are similar to ephedrine and are synthetically made. Both of these drugs are offered, and used, in numerous forms, and each form has its differences.

Cocaine and amphetamines have very similar effects on the brain and normally attract similar people who abuse each. Cocaine and amphetamines both increase the circulating levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are stimulated and increased in activity when amphetamines are used. Cocaine blocks the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, notably dopamine, causing the levels to rise. Even though the physiological results between cocaine and amphetamine are nearly mirrored, the impact of amphetamine may be felt for several hours, whereas cocaine’s effects are usually present for an hour or less.

Historically, both drugs had their applications. Cocaine was isolated from coca leaves and began to be used as an anesthetic. Sigmund Freud recommended cocaine’s power in aiding with depression and morphine dependence; however, once he understood the side effects, he no longer promoted the drug. Amphetamines were used to help soldiers in World War II overcome fatigue.

In conclusion, both of these drugs have similar effects on the brain and body, but unlike cocaine, amphetamines are frequently prescribed in medical applications to help aid ADHD and other disorders.

Methods of Use

Amphetamine pills can be ingested orally, crushed and snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked (inhalation of the vaporized drug). "Glass" and "ice" (pure methamphetamine, which look like clear crystalline rock) is most often smoked (vaporized and inhaled) in a glass pipe, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream without the risks of injecting the drug. "Crystal" the powder form of methamphetamines, is consumed orally, injected, or inhaled.

cocaine

Users primarily administer cocaine orally, intranasally, intravenously, or by inhalation. When people snort the drug (intranasal use), they inhale cocaine powder through the nostrils, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Users also may rub the drug onto their gums (oral use). Dissolving cocaine in water and injecting it (intravenous use) releases the drug directly into the bloodstream and heightens the intensity of its effects. When people smoke cocaine (inhalation), they inhale its vapor or smoke into the lungs, where absorption into the bloodstream is almost as rapid as by injection.

Psychostimulants are abused worldwide, and apart from cocaine, examples include amphetamine and its derivatives. These compounds are indirect agonists at noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic synapses. They inhibit monoamine reuptake, promote monoamine release, and can also inhibit MAO activity. Administration of amphetamine leads to reduced need for sleep, decreased reaction times, increased motor activity and improved concentration. Amphetamine also increases blood pressure and heart rate and dilates pupils.