AP Psych Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh) Functions

Enables muscle actions, memory, learning, and attention

Acetylcholine (ACh) Surplus Effects

Muscle convulsions, excessive contractions

Acetylcholine (ACh) Deficit Effects

Paralysis, memory impairment

Acetylcholine (ACh) Associated Drugs

Botox (antagonist), nicotine (agonist)

Dopamine Functions

Influences movement, learning, attention, emotions, and rewards

Dopamine Surplus Effects

Schizophrenia, addictive behaviors

Dopamine Deficit Effects

Parkinson's, tremors, ADHD

Dopamine Associated Drugs

Cocaine, amphetamines, L-DOPA

Serotonin Functions

Regulates mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal

Serotonin Surplus Effects

Mania, restlessness

Serotonin Deficit Effects

Depression, anxiety, insomnia

Serotonin Associated Drugs

Prozac, Zoloft (increase availability)

Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline Functions

Controls alertness and arousal (fight or flight response)

Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline Surplus Effects

Anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure

Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline Deficit Effects

Depression, lethargy

Norepinephrine/Noradrenaline Associated Drugs

Cymbalta, Effexor (boost levels)

GABA Functions

Major inhibitory transmitter; calms neural activity

GABA Surplus Effects

Excessive sedation, sluggish processing

GABA Deficit Effects

Seizures, tremors, anxiety

GABA Associated Drugs

Valium, Xanax (agonists); alcohol (enhances)

Glutamate Functions

Major excitatory transmitter; involved in memory and learning

Glutamate Surplus Effects

Overstimulation, migraines, seizures, neuron damage

Glutamate Deficit Effects

Fatigue, difficultly concentrating

Glutamate Associated Drugs

MSG (over stimulates receptors)

Endorphins Function

Natural painkillers; involved in pleasure and stress relief

Endorphins Surplus Effects

Euphoria, decreased pain sensitivity

Endorphins Deficit Effects

Increased pain sensitivity, withdrawal symptoms

Endorphins Associated Drugs

Morphine, heroin (mimic/suppress endorphin production)

Substance P Functions

Transmits pain signals to the brain

Substance P Surplus Effects

Chronic pain, inflammation

Substance P Deficit Effects

Reduced pain sensitivity

Substance P Associated Drugs

Capsaicin reduces activity