Drugs, sites of action and main effects Review sheet

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and various functions in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Botulinum toxin

Prevents the release of ACh in the PNS, leading to the prevention of muscle contraction.

Black widow spider venom

Stimulates the release of ACh in the PNS, resulting in stimulated muscle contraction.

Dietary Choline

Increases ACh synthesis and enhances ACh transmission, supporting the health of the nervous system.

Nicotine

An agonist at nicotinic cholinergic receptors, known for its reinforcing effects.

Muscarine

A metabotropic agonist at muscarinic cholinergic receptors with toxic and hallucinogenic effects.

Curare

An antagonist at nicotinic cholinergic receptors that prevents muscle contraction and is used as a paralytic.

Atropine

An antagonist at muscarinic cholinergic receptors that blocks pupil constriction and saliva production.

Caffeine

An antagonist that blocks metabotropic adenosine receptors, inhibiting the effects of adenosine and promoting wakefulness.

Ketamine

An indirect antagonist for NMDA receptors, known for fast-acting antidepressant effects and dissociative properties.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

An indirect antagonist of NMDA receptors responsible for psychomimetic effects.

Benzodiazepines

Agonists at GABAa receptors, primarily used as anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxants.

Barbiturates

Agonists at GABAa receptors used for anesthesia and controlling epilepsy.

Picrotoxin

An antagonist at GABAa receptors that acts as a proconvulsant.

Vitamin B6

Necessary for GABA synthesis; deficiency may lead to seizures or death in infants.

Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methylphenidate

Reuptake inhibitors that block dopamine transporters, increasing dopamine effects.

L-dopa

A precursor that increases the production of dopamine, enhancing dopamine transmission.

Schizophrenia medications (classical antipsychotics)

Dopaminergic receptor antagonists that reduce the effects of dopamine and alleviate psychotic symptoms.

Tryptophan

An amino acid that increases serotonin production and transmission, improving mood and reducing anxiety.

MAO inhibitors

Medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing monoamines like dopamine and serotonin, resulting in antidepressant effects.

MDMA

A serotonin reuptake inhibitor known as ecstasy, associated with euphoric effects.

Prozac (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used as antidepressant medications.

LSD

A 5-HT2 receptor agonist that produces hallucinogenic effects.

Migraine medications

Stimulate serotonin receptors to improve symptoms associated with migraines.

Reserpine

Interferes with presynaptic storage of serotonin, potentially leading to depression.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

An agonist at cannabinoid receptors (CB1 or CB2), stimulating feeding, reducing pain sensitivity, and offering rewarding effects.

Naloxone

An opioid receptor antagonist used as a life-saving measure for opioid overdose.