1.5.15 effect of drugs on the brain

Question 1

MDMA

Answer 1

MDMA is an amphetamine found in ecstasy, a class A drug.
MDMA works by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, including serotonin.
By binding to serotonin receptor sites, MDMA stops serotonin from being absorbed properly, so more serotonin is released.
MDMA can give someone a sense of euphoria as a result of excessive serotonin release, but this results in a feeling of a comedown several hours after taking MDMA.

L-Dop

Question 2

L-Dopa

Answer 2

L-Dopa (Levodopa) is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease results from a loss of neurons that produce dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in the coordination of movement.
Increasing dopamine levels by giving patients L-Dopa can help to alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.