Psychoactive Drugs

Excitatory neurotransmitters

More likely to fire

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Less likely to fire

Acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)

Skeletal and heart muscles, alertness, interneuron communication

Norepinephrine (neurotransmitter)

Fight or flight, attention and memory

Dopamine (neurotransmitter)

Movement, learning

Seretonin (neurotransmitter)

Moods and emotional states, regulation of sleep-wake cycle

Endorphins (neurotransmitter)

Modulates the experience of pain or pleasure

Substance P (neurotransmitter)

Modulation of pain

Glutamate (neurotransmitter)

Learning and memory, sensory and motor functions

GABA (neurotransmitter)

Most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter, regulates daily sleep-wake cycles

Agonist

Enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter by mimicking or facilitating the activity of that neurotransmitter

Antagonist

Prevents the effects of a neurotransmitters by impeding the activity of the neurotransmitter

Reuptake Inhibitor

Enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter by blocking the reuptake

Stimulants

Increased neural activity, leading to heightened alertness, energy, and focus. Common examples include caffeine and amphetamines.

Depressants

Decreased neural activity, leading to sedation and relaxation. Common examples include alcohol

Hallucinogens

Distortions in perception and/or cognition, leading to altered states of consciousness. Common examples include LSD and marijuana.

Opioids

Interact with endorphin receptors, pain relievers, and can produce euphoria. Common examples include heroin.

Tolerance

Requiring larger doses

Addiciton

Disease involving physical and/or psychological dependence

Withdrawl

Symptoms associated with stopping use

Neurotransmitters

Internal, nervous system, quick-acting

Hormones

Internal, endocrine system, long-lasting

Adrenaline (hormone)

fight or flight

Leptin (hormone)

Hunger (suppressant)

Melatonin (hormone)

Sleep

Ghrelin (hormone)

Hunger (stimulation)

Oxytocin (hormone)

Labor, lactation, love