Learning Supplements 1-3: Neurotransmitters and Psychotropic Medications (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A vocabulary-focused set of flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the Neurotransmitters and Psychotropic Medications notes.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers released into the synapse to conduct nerve impulses between neurons; they remain in the synapse for a short time to be reused (reuptake) or degraded.

Synapse

The junction or space between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released to transmit impulses.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of a neurotransmitter into the presynaptic neuron after it has transmitted a signal; recycles the neurotransmitter and helps limit signaling.

Pre-synaptic neuron

Neuron that releases neurotransmitter into the synapse.

Post-synaptic neuron

Receiving neuron where the neurotransmitter binds to receptors to elicit a cellular response.

Agonist

A chemical messenger or substance that stimulates the release of a chemical messenger.

Receptor

Protein molecules on or in the receiving neuron that bind neurotransmitters and trigger a cellular response.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in initiation of motor activity, information flow to the frontal lobe, and the motivation/reward/pleasure system and addiction.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter related to alertness and focus; increases heart rate and is involved in the fight-or-flight response.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that coordinates and balances the nervous system; can be excitatory or inhibitory; regulates sleep, appetite, sexual and social behaviors; imbalances linked to depression, eating disorders, OCD, and migraines.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning, muscle contractions, REM sleep; principal neurotransmitter of the autonomic nervous system; many psychotropic meds decrease ACh, leading to anticholinergic side effects.

Anticholinergic side effects

Common adverse effects associated with decreased acetylcholine due to certain psychotropic medications.

Blocking reuptake

Mode of action where a drug inhibits the reuptake of a neurotransmitter, increasing its concentration in the synapse and boosting neurotransmission.

Receptor antagonist

Mode of action where a drug blocks or prevents a receptor from being activated by a neurotransmitter.

Altering a receptor

Mode of action involving changes to the receptor’s structure to modify its response to neurotransmitters.

Increasing availability

Mode of action that involves providing chemicals to increase the availability of a neurotransmitter.

Therapeutic effects

Targeted symptom relief for a given drug class; the clinical goals of treatment with psychotropic medication.

Onset of action

The time it takes for a medication to achieve its maximum therapeutic effect, typically 2–3 weeks for many psychotropic drugs.

Long-term maintenance

Because mental illness is often chronic, many clients need to stay on medications long-term; ongoing management is common.

Adherence (medication adherence)

The extent to which a patient follows prescribed medication regimens; requires client education and assessment for adherence problems.