Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters: The Brain’s Chemical Messengers

Are chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Stimulates firing of neurons and is involved in muscle action, learning, and memory. Also used in the brain to regulate memory, sleeping, and dreaming.

What is Acetylcholine made of?

C7H16NO2

GABA (gamma aminobutryic acid)

Quiets, slows down many neurons from firing. Anxiety medications increase the speed of the effects of GABA to slow down brain activities faster.

Glutamate

The most prevalent (common) neurotransmitter. It is involved in learning and memory. Important in the brain’s detection of awards. Sometimes, when the brain cells gets so excited, they die and burn out (excitotoxicity). A major excitatory neurotransmitter. Released in more than 90% of the brain’s synapses. Helps messages cross the synapse more efficiently.

Norepinephrine

When stressed or scared, the brain releases norepinephrine to alert the body. (Fight or flight). Excites heart, intestines, etc. When stress slows down neuron firing, it is specifically shutting down the neurons in your Prefrontal Cortex, which is the smart and logical part of the brain.

Dopamine

Helps control voluntary movements and affects sleep, mood, attention, learning and ability to recognize rewarding experiences in environment. Stimulants (nicotine, adderall) activate dopamine receptors. Low dopamine is also associated with Parkinsons disease.

Dopamine Relating to Extraversion

People who are outgoing, talkative, and energized by socializing and taking risks (extraversion) get massive dopamine hits by doing those things (mental rewards), so they keep going out and doing those things.

Serotonin

Involved in regulating sleep, mood, attention, learning. Some theorize that low serotonin is associated with depression. Depression medication often aims to slow down serotonin clean up, so they float around longer and keeps your mood up.

Neurotransmitters working together

Serotonin works with acetylcholine and norepinephrine to regulate sleep and wakefulness.

Endorphins

Natural opiates (silences nervous system activity and eliminate pain). Shields body from pain and elevate feelings of pleasure. Long distance runners, birthing mothers, and people in shock all have elevated levels of endorphins.

What is GABA made of?

C4H9NO2. It is also believed to be present in 1/3 of the brain’s synapses.