AMPHETAMINES
Amphetamines biological effects include potent central nervous system stimulation,
apetite reduction, hyperthermia, insomnia and euphoria. Pharmaceutical names
include Adderall® and Dexedrine®. Common street names include “speed”
and “uppers”. The detection window of amphetamine in urine is
1 to 2 days after use. (TOP)
BARBITURATES
Barbiturates are a class of central nervous system depressants used medically
as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates include Phenobarbital, pentobarbital,
secobarbital, butalbital and amobarbital. Common physical effects include
impaired motor coordination, anesthesia, sedation, cardiovascular and respiratory
depression. Short acting barbiturates, such as secobarbital and butalbital,
can be detected in urine up to 4 days after use. Long-acting barbiturates,
such as Phenobarbital, can be detected in urine up to 3 weeks. (TOP)
BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs frequently prescribed for the treatment
of anxiety, sleep disorders and some seizure conditions. Physical and
psychological effects include lethargy, reduced motor coordination and
drowsiness. Physical dependence can occur and withdrawal symptoms may
appear when the medication is discontinued. Benzodiazepines may be detected
in the urine up to 10 days after use. (TOP)
COCAINE
Derived from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is a potent central
nervous system stimulant and local anesthetic. Physical and psychological
effects of cocaine use include increased heart rate, fever, pupil dilation,
diaphoresis, euphoria and increased energy. Common street names include
“blow”, “snow”, “coke”, “flake”,
“crack”. Cocaine may be detected in urine up to 3 days after
use. (TOP)
ECSTACY
The so-called “club drug” MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive
drug chemically related to methamphetamine but with greater hallucinogenic
properties. MDMA, also known as ecstacy or X, is taken orally, usually
in tablets or capsules of 80 – 150 mg. The effects of the drug last
4 to 6 hours following oral administration. Like methamphetamine, adverse
effects of MDMA include elevated blood pressure, hyperthermia, anxiety,
paranoia and insomnia. MDMA overdoses can be fatal, often the result of
heart failure or extreme heat stroke. MDMA is detectable in the urine
for up to 3 days after use. (TOP)
METHAMPHETAMINE
Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically
affects the central nervous system. High doses lead to enhanced stimulation
of the central nervous system and induce euphoria, alertness and a sense
of increased energy. Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed,"
"meth," and "chalk." In its smoked form, it is often
referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank,"
and "glass." It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline
powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was developed
early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used
originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine's
chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more
pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it
causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of
well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After
the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation
that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Methamphetamine
can be detected in urine up to 3 days after use. (TOP)
METHADONE
Methadone is a synthetic analgesic drug primarily used in the treatment
of narcotic addiction. It is administered orally or intravenously. Physiological
effects of methadone use include respiratory depression, sedation and
analgesia. Methadone overdoses are characterized by stupor, hypotension,
pupillary constriction and clammy skin. Left untreated methadone overdoses
can lead to coma or death. Methadone can be detected in urine for up to
3 days after use. (TOP)
MORPHINE
Opiates, including heroin, morphine and codeine, are derived from the
opium poppy. Medicinally, opiates are used for pain management and cough
reduction. Heroin is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as
the black sticky substance known on the streets as "black tar heroin."
Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is "cut"
with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk,
or quinine. Street heroin can also be cut with strychnine or other poisons.
Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or
its true contents, they are at risk of overdose or death. Heroin also
poses special problems because of the transmission of HIV and other diseases
that can occur from sharing needles or other injection equipment. In the
urine, opiates are detectable up to 3 days after use. (TOP)
PHENCYCLIDINE
Commonly known as PCP, phencyclidine was originally developed for use
as an anesthetic. Although used in veterinary medicine as a tranquilizer,
the use of the drug in humans was discontinued due to negative side effects.
PCP is manufactured illegally and sold on the streets under the names
“angel dust”, “ozone” and “crystal cyclone”.
Common physical effects of the drug include hallucinations, disorientation,
muscular incoordination and delusions. The detection window in urine is
up to 5 days for infrequent use and up to 20 days for chronic use. (TOP)
PROPOXYPHENE
Propoxyphene is a very popular pain reliever, widely known as "Darvon",
that is a centrally acting narcotic analgesic. Commercially, propoxyphene
is usually combined with aspirin or some other simple pain killer in a
single tablet or capsule. This drug, which is structurally similar to
methadone, has been widely abused and is tightly controlled. Side effects
can include physical addiction, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, low
blood pressure, and weakness. (TOP)
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS
(TCA)
TCA is used in the treatment of depressive disorders and is often implicated
in accidental and intentional overdoses. TCA overdoses can result in profound
central nervous system depression, cardiotoxicity and anticholinergic
effects. Detection times in urine vary depending on the duration of the
drug use. (TOP)
THC (MARIJUANA)
Marijuana - often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, mary jane, or
mj - is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems,
seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant. Most users smoke
marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, among other names;
some use pipes or water pipes called bongs. A marijuana user may experience
pleasant sensations, colors and sounds may seem more intense, and time
appears to pass very slowly. The user's mouth feels dry, and he or she
may suddenly become very hungry and thirsty. His or her hands may tremble
and grow cold. The euphoria passes after awhile, and then the user may
feel sleepy or depressed. Occasionally, marijuana use produces anxiety,
fear, distrust, or panic. THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana,
produces effects that potentially can be useful for treating a variety
of medical conditions. It is the main ingredient in an oral medication
that is currently used to treat nausea in cancer chemotherapy patients
and to stimulate appetite in patients with wasting due to AIDS. Marijuana
is the Nation's most commonly used illicit drug. More than 83 million
Americans (37 percent) age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least
once. Urine detection limits vary widely depending on the frequency of
the drug use. In chronic users, the drug can remain detectable in the
urine for up to 28 days. (TOP) |
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