Unit 1 Psychoactive Drugs and Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons) and other cells in the body

Agonist

increases activity

Antagonist

decreases activity

Reuptake inhibitor

makes it so the neurotransmitter avoids going back into the same neuron which it was released from

Acetylcholine

muscle movement, skeletal and heart muscles, lose muscle memory, in charge of memory, an antagonist of this leads to Alzheimer’s

Norepinephrine

fight or flight, adrenaline, bodies response to stress, antagonist of this can lead to depression or anxiety

Dopamine

the decision to move, focus, learning, brains reward system, antagonist of this leads to ADHD

Serotonin

moods and emotional states, antagonist leads to depression, anxiety, and mania

Endorphine

The experience of pain or pleasure, psychological, like a natural painkiller,

Substance P

Modulation of pain, inflammation, more physical, transmits pain signals

Glutamate

excitatory, gets more neurons to fire in action potential, learning memory

GABA

inhibitory, calm down, relaxed state, inhibitor, this can be used to avoid anxiety

Stimulants

increased activity Ex: coffee and cocaine

Depressant

decrease activity neural Ex: alcohol

Hallucinogens

distortions in perception and cognition Ex: marijuana and LSD

Opioids

pain relievers can be depressive Ex: Heroin

Tolerance

longer dosage

Addiction

disease involving physical and psychological dependence

Withdrawls

symptoms associated with stopping use