Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 35
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Hallucinogens
• Alter modulation of thought processes
– Serotonergic
– Sympathomimetic
– Anticholinergic
– Anesthetic (PCP and ketamine)
Module Two - The Clinical Neurotoxicology of Chemical Terrorism
35
Although the actual mechanisms by which hallucinogens act on our brain vary, the
clinical syndrome produced is qualitatively similar. We lose the ability to interpret and
interact with our environment. There are a number of different classes of drugs which
alter the modulation of the thought process. This slide lists 4 classes of drugs or
chemicals that alter thought processes: serotonergic, sympathomimetic, anticholinergic
and anesthetic. We will discuss examples of two of these (serotinergic and
anticholinergic) in greater depth.
Four of the classes of drugs or chemicals that alter modulation of thought processes are
the following:
1. Seroternergic – These drugs/chemicals after the transmission of the neurotransmitter
serotonin. An example of an hallucinogenic agent which affects serotonin
neurotransmission is LSD.
2.Sympathomimetic – These drugs/chemicals stimulate the sympathetic nervous
system. Norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is one of the neurotransmitters
which serves as a modulator in the sympathetic nervous system. The street drug –
methamphetamine – is an example of a sympathomimetic compound. Use of this drug
can cause hallucinations.
3.Anticholinergic – Drugs or chemicals that are anticholinergic block the neurotransmitter
known as acetylcholine. Acetycholine is involved in a wide variety of bodily functions
including muscle activity, heart (cardiac) activity and central nervous system (brain)
activity. Anticholinergic drugs block the receptors which acetylcholine stimulate. By
blocking these receptors anticholinergic drugs prevent normal function of the brain (and
other target organs such as the heart and muscles). Hallucinations may result. An
example of an anticholenergic drug is atropine. A plant with anticholinergic chemicals is
jimson weed.
4.Anesthetics – Some anesthetics – drugs used in anesthesia – also cause
hallucinations. Ketamine is an anesthetic drug which at high doses frequently causes
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