Technical terms

Term

Definition

Anxiogenic effects

Physiological or psychological responses that provoke or exacerbate anxiety. These effects may be induced by certain drugs, stressors, or neurochemical imbalances, particularly involving the serotonergic or noradrenergic systems.

Bradypnea

A clinical term for abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults.

Cannabinol

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found in aged cannabis, formed through the oxidation of THC.

Cannabinol is a Class B drug under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the MDA 197.

Dyspnoea

A subjective experience of breathing discomfort, often described as shortness of breath. It can result from respiratory, cardiac, or metabolic.

Glasgow Coma scale

A standardized neurological scale used to assess consciousness in trauma or critical care settings. It scores eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with a total score ranging from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully alert).

Glucuronidation

A phase II metabolic process in the liver where glucuronic acid is conjugated to drugs or endogenous compounds, increasing their solubility and facilitating renal or biliary excretion. It’s a key detoxification pathway.

GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe)

GRAS is an FDA designation for substances added to food that are considered safe by qualified experts, based on scientific evidence or a history of safe use, and therefore do not require formal FDA approval.

Pallor

A noticeable paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, often due to reduced blood flow or haemoglobin levels.

Psychotropic

Refers to any substance that affects brain function, altering mood, perception, cognition, or behaviour. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics, and are commonly used in psychiatric treatment.