Psychostimulants Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to psychostimulants from the lecture notes.

VTA (Ventral Tegmental Area)

Area where dopamine neurons fire when something unexpectedly good happens.

Dopamine Transporter (DAT)

A protein that facilitates the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron.

Psychostimulants

Substances like cocaine, amphetamines, and ephedrine that mimic the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that exert effects similar to those of the sympathetic nervous system.

Monoamine neurotransmitters

A category of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Cocaine

A powerful psychostimulant derived from the coca plant, used for its local anesthetic and euphoric effects.

Amphetamine

A synthetic stimulant that increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Euphoria

A feeling of intense excitement or happiness often induced by psychostimulants.

Half-life

The time required for the concentration of a substance to decrease to half its initial amount.

What is the primary mechanism of action for cocaine?

Cocaine primarily acts by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by binding to their respective transporters (e.g., DAT), thereby increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.

How does amphetamine increase monoamine neurotransmitter levels?

Amphetamine enters the presynaptic neuron via DAT, inhibits VMAT-2, and reverses the action of DAT, leading to the release of dopamine and norepinephrine into the synaptic cleft. It also promotes direct release from vesicles.

What is Methamphetamine and its primary mechanism of action?

Methamphetamine is a potent psychostimulant derived from amphetamine, known for its increased lipid solubility. It enters the brain more readily, promoting a greater release of dopamine and norepinephrine and blocking their reuptake more effectively than amphetamine, leading to more profound and prolonged effects.