Neurotransmitters

Agonist

effectively increase the activity of the neurotransmitters (exhibitory)

Antagonist

decrease or block neurotransmitter (inhibitory)

Inverse agonist

produces effects opposite to those produced by the neurotransmitters

Reuptake

when the neurotransmitter is released, it is quickly broken down and taken back to the synaptic cleft

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger of the body

Glutamate

Exhibitory, memory

most abundant in the brain and plays a key role in thinking, memory, and learning

GABA

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid

Inhibitory, calming

the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain regulates mood, irritability, sleep, and seizures

Serotonin

Inhibitory, mood

regulates, mood, sleep patterns, sexuality, appetite, and pain

Dopamine

Pleasure

The body reward system, pleasures, achieving heighted arousal for learning

Epinephrine

fight-or-flight response

Norepinephrine

Concentration

alertness, arousal, decision making, attention, and focus

Endorphins

Euphoria

natural pain reliever, reduces pain

Acetylcholine

Exhibitory, Learning

regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and gut mobility. Also has roles in muscle contraction, memory, motivation, sexual desire, sleep, and learning