Select A Psychoactive Drug Of Pharmacological Interes 170355

Select A Psychoactive Drug That Is Of Pharmacological Interest To You

Select a psychoactive drug that is of pharmacological interest to you, but not one you will review as part of your Critical Review. For this paper, you may choose drugs of abuse; however, the paper must focus on the pharmacology of the drug and not on the social or addictive aspects. If you focus on addiction and social impact, your paper will not receive credit. In addition to the text, research a minimum of three peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years on your selected drug. Prepare a three-page summary of the drug using the PSY630 Rapid Review Example paper as a guide.

In your Rapid Review, analyze and explain the pharmacological aspects of the drug as they relate to the following: neurotransmitters affected, receptors, route of administration, half-life, doses, side effects, drug interactions, contraindications, and other important facets of the drug. Explain these aspects of the drug in terms of the psychiatric disorders indicated for the drug and the issue(s) associated with that use. If there is no accepted therapeutic use for the drug, evaluate and describe the actions of the drug with regard to the abuse process. The paper: Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length, excluding title page and references page, and it must be formatted according to APA style. Must include a title page with the following: Title of paper, Your name, Course name and number, Your instructor’s name, Date submitted. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. Must use at least three peer-reviewed sources in addition to the text. Must document all sources in APA style. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The pharmacology of psychoactive drugs reveals complex interactions within the human nervous system, influencing behavior, perception, and mood. In this review, I focus on cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, which has garnered significant pharmacological interest due to its potential therapeutic applications and minimal psychoactive effects compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Analyzing CBD’s mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, drug interactions, and clinical applications provides an in-depth understanding of its pharmacological profile and implications for psychiatric disorders and abuse potential.

CBD predominantly interacts with the endocannabinoid system, affecting neurotransmitter regulation by modulating CB1 and CB2 receptors, albeit indirectly. Unlike THC, which directly activates cannabinoid receptors causing psychoactive effects, CBD has a low affinity for these receptors. Instead, it influences them through allosteric modulation, leading to a diverse range of physiological effects. CBD’s impact on neurotransmitters includes increasing activity at serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors, contributing to its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. It also interacts with transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, affording anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The route of administration varies but is most frequently oral (oil or capsule), with inhalation and topical applications also common.

Pharmacokinetically, CBD’s half-life depends on the administration route, with oral bioavailability being relatively low (~6-20%) due to first-pass metabolism. Its metabolic clearance involves hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, making it susceptible to drug interactions. Standard doses for therapeutic purposes range from 300 to 600 mg daily but can vary based on the formulation and indication. Side effects are generally mild but include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. CBD’s interaction with CYP enzymes can induce or inhibit other drugs metabolized by these pathways, raising the potential for significant drug-drug interactions (Bergamaschi et al., 2018).

CBD’s contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in conjunction with medications that affect hepatic enzymes. Its minimal psychoactive properties and low abuse potential distinguish it from other substances of abuse. Nonetheless, CBD’s action on neurotransmitter systems and receptor modulation underpins its potential in treating psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as its use adjunctively in epilepsy (Devinsky et al., 2018). Despite its therapeutic promise, the regulation and standardization of CBD products remain challenges due to variability in absorption and potency, which influence efficacy and safety.

In summary, cannabidiol exhibits a multifaceted pharmacology characterized by its indirect modulation of cannabinoid receptors and significant influence on serotonergic and TRP channels. Its pharmacokinetic profile, side effects, and drug interactions must be carefully considered in clinical settings. Understanding these factors enhances our grasp of CBD’s potential as a therapeutic agent and its implications for both psychiatric disorders and abuse potential. Further research, particularly rigorous clinical trials, is essential to fully elucidate its mechanisms and optimize its use in mental health treatment.

References

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• Devinsky, O., Cross, J. H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, I., Nabbout, R., ... & Thiele, E. A. (2018). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(20), 1975–1985.
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• Heng, M. L., et al. (2020). Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 60(3), 301–308.
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