Drugs at the Synapse

Antagonist- blocks a neurotransmitter
Agonist- mimics or increases a neurotransmitter
Drug Affinity- ability to bind to receptor
Drug Efficacy- activate the receptor once bound. Can bind but then not activate (antagonist)
Stimulant drugs
1. Both amphetamine and cocaine block reuptake of dopamine, increasing the amount in the presynaptic terminal
  1. excitement, alertness, elevated mood, decreased fatigue
Nicotine
1. Stimulates nictotinic type acetylcholine receptors, which increases dopamine release in nucleus accumbens.
  1. mostly stimulant effects
Opiates
1. Act on receptors in the brain and mimic the effects of endorphins. This inhibits GABA which would otherwise inhibit dopamine, leading to an increase.
  1. relaxation, withdrawal, decreased pain
Marijuana
1. Two brain chemicals bind to canabinoid receptors called anadamide and sn-2 arachidomylglyrecol (2-AG). This inhibits further release of either glutamate or GABA
  1. altered sensory expenses, decreased pain and nausea, increased appetite
Hallucinogenic
1. Attach to serotonin type 2A (5-HT2a) and provide stimulation.
  1. distorted sensations
Alcohol
1. Blocks glutamate and facilitates GABA-A receptors. Can also release dopamine.
  1. moderate amounts relax and decrease anxiety, large amounts impair judgement

Resource summary

	Created by lynda_ashford_25 over 10 years ago