Drugs

Monoamine oxidase

Enzyme that breaks down monoamine (DA, 5-HT, NE) NTs ) metabolizes monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine).

MAOI

block MAO to treat depression, increasing levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to treat depression.

Anxiolytics

Benzodiazepines, drugs that activate GABA_A  onsent

• Xanax (alprazolam)

• Ativan (lorazepam)

GABAA

subtype receptor of GABA< ionotropic, release more CL ion flow into postsynaptic cell > local hyperpolarization, G

GABAB

metatropic receptor, slow postsynaptic effect, Selective drugs may be used to treat chronic problems like pain & mood disorders

Neuroleptics/Antipsychotics

Medications that block dopamine receptors (especially D2 subtype), used to treat schizophrenia and psychosis by reducing dopamine overactivity.

SSRIS

prevent reuptake of serotonin by blocking serotonin transporter 

SNIRS

prevent reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

Tricyclics

prevent reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and also affect other receptor

Types of benzodiazepines

xanax & Ativan 

barbiturates

a class of central nervous system depressants that are used medically as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants, work on GABAA positive, positive allosteric modulator by binding to a site distinct from the GABA binding site, which increases the duration of time the chloride channel stays open

GHB

powerful central nervous system depressant with a high potential for abuse, interacts with both the GHB receptor and the GABAB receptor. It is a weak agonist at the GABAB receptor, while its actions at the specific GHB receptor are responsible for different effects, such as stimulant effects at low doses and convulsions at higher dosesnic

nicotine

agonist against nicotinic acetylcholine receptor 

cocaine

blocks reuptake of dopamine serotonin and norepinephrine increasing synaptic concentration

• Amphetamine & Methamphetamine:

• Promote release and block reuptake of monoamines, intensifying stimulation.

• Caffeine

• Adenosine receptor antagonist increasing alertness.

• LSD & Mushrooms:

• Agonists at serotonin receptors inducing altered perception.

• MDMA:

• Stimulates serotonin release and inhibits reuptake causing empathogenic effects.

• Ketamine

• NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociative anesthesia.

Tobacco

Contains nicotine which enhances nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activity, reinforcing addiction circuits.

Nucleus Accumbens

Key brain region in reward processing; dopamine release here mediates pleasure and reinforcement.

Insula

Brain area implicated in interoceptive awareness and craving, playing a role in addiction and drug-seeking behavior.