Drugs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the NEU 101 lecture regarding drugs, neurotransmitters, and their effects.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Agonist

A substance that mimics the effects of a given neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that dampens the effects of a given neurotransmitter.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring compounds similar to THC that are involved in various physiological processes.

Pharmacology

The study of the interaction of chemicals and living organisms.

Pharmacodynamics

How drugs affect the body, including receptor binding.

Pharmacokinetics

How the body affects drugs, including absorption, metabolism, and excretion.

Direct Agonism

When a drug binds to a receptor and causes the same effect as endogenous ligands.

Indirect Agonism

When a drug enhances the release or action of a neurotransmitter without binding to receptors.

Tolerance

A physiological state resulting from the regular use of a drug, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effects.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

L-DOPA

A precursor of dopamine used to treat Parkinson's disease, acting as an indirect dopamine agonist.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin, thus increasing its availability in the synapse.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Drugs that inhibit the breakdown of monoamines, increasing their levels in the synapse.

Downregulation

The process by which the number of receptors decreases in response to high levels of neurotransmitter.

Upregulation

The process by which the number of receptors increases in response to low levels of neurotransmitter.