Psychopharmacology and Neurotransmitters

direct

binds to / interferes with where the NTs bind to receptor

indirect

does not interfere with NT binding site

agonist

facilitate or help the postsynaptic effect

antagonist

impairs or hurts the postsynaptic effects

PCP binding site

where phencyclidine (PCP) binds

PCP is a…

indirect antagonist

GABA receptor binding sites

• there are GABA ionotropic and metabotropic channels for different things (Cl- ionotropic, K+ metabotropic) → both inhibitory

• alcohol seems to bind to benzodrazepene site

• barbituates are sedative → direct agonist

• picrotoxin → direct antagonist

• if antagonist inhibitory → it’s excitatory

drug effects pre-synapse

• drug serves as precursor

• drug inactivates synthetic enzyme; inhibits synthesis of NT ANT

• drug prevents storage of NT in vesicles ANT

• drug stimulates release of NT AGO

• drug inhibits release of NT ANT

• drug stimulates postsynaptic receptors AGO

• drug blocks postsynaptic receptors ANT

• drug stimulates autoreceptors; inhibits synthesis/release of NT ANT

• drug blocks autoreceptors, increase synthesis/release of NT AGO

• drug blocks reuptake AGO

• drug inactivates acetychloinestarase AGO

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• inhibit reuptake → leave serotonin in cleft → more opportunity for serotonin to bind (more serotonin in cleft, more to bind to)

• developed in 1970s based on serotonin hypothesis of depression

• technically have presynaptic effects but culminate to have postsynaptic effects