drugs and neurotransmitters

heroin

depressant

turns off dopamine inhibition, which increases dopamine (excitatory)

antagonist

marijuana

hallucinogen

turns off dopamine inhibition

THC

antagonist

ecstasy

hallucinogen

blocks serotonin (excitatory) reputake

agonist

lsd

hallucinogen

resembles serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors, excites some inhibits others

both an agonist and antagonist

methamphetamine

stimulant

forces dopamine out into the synapse

agonist

alcohol

depressant

blocks glutamate receptors, increases GABA’s inhibitory qualities

agonist to GABA, antagonist to glutamate

cocaine

stimulant

blocks dopamine transporters, leaving them in the synaptic cleft

agonist

adrenaline (epinephrine)

prepares body for fight or flight by increasing heart rate and energy

melatonin

produced by pineal gland

regulates sleep schedule

leptin

produced by fat cells, signals to reduce appetite when enough fat is stored

oxytocin

‘love hormone’

social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, increased feelings of trust and empathy

ghrelin

stimulates appetite

achetlycholine

muscle activation, learning, memory

substance p

transmits pain signals to the brain

endorphins

natural painkillers and mood enhancers

norepinephrine

alertness and attention, increases heart rate and blood pressure

serotonin

feelings of well being and happiness

dopamine

reward center

glutamate

excitatory

thinking, learning, memory

GABA

inhibitory

regulates nerve signals, calming effect

antagonist

blocks/ reduces effects of neurotransmitters

agonist

mimics or enhanced effects of neurotransmitters

reputake

sucks neurotransmitters back into the synaptic vessels

like a vaccum

enzymatic degradation

breaks down neurotransmitters so they stop signaling

neurotransmitter

substance in synaptic vessels that transmits messages

receptor sites

neurotransmitters fit into them to start an action potential in the next neuron

excitatory synpase

turns cells on

inhibitory synapse

turn cells off

clearing neurotransmitters

reuptake and enzymatic degradation

presynaptic neuron

neuron that’s sending the message

postsynaptic neuron

neuron receiving the message

physical dependence

body can’t function without the drug

withdrawal symptoms

psychological dependence

belief the drug is needed to function

no withdrawal symptoms

tolerance

larger doses of the drug are needed to feel the same effect

addiction

physical or psychological dependence

may experience withdrawal symptoms

withdrawal symptoms

headaches, nausea, cramping, shaking

stimulant

increases functioning of nervous system

amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine

depressants

have a sedative effect

barbiturates, benzodiazepines, alcohol, narcotics

hallucinogens

alters brains interpretation of sensation

LSD, Ecstasy, marijuana

opioids

narcotics, depressant that suppresses pain

opium, morphine, heroin

highly addictive, severe withdrawal

reuptake inhibitors

stop neurotransmitters from going back into the nerve, so they keep stimulating the receptors

endocrine communication

hormones

act on muscles, organs, and glands

travel through bloodstream

slower communication than neurotransmitters