Ch.3 - B - Drugs Flashcards
What do drugs do?
it mimics a NT or it interferes with NT binding
can also act like a NT
What is a Ligand (mimic)?
any substance that binds to a receptor
- if binded to receptor its an agonist
- if preventing receptor activation, its an antagonist
What do agonists do?
facilitates action of a NT
What do antagonists do?
inhibits action of a NT
What is the core principal of a drug?
Drugs can affect any step in neurotransmission
What do antidepressants do?
treats disturbances of mood called affective disorders
What do psychoactive drugs do?
relieves symptoms through binding specific NT’s
What do antipsychotics do?
aleviates symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptors
What do Atypicl Antipsychotics do?
acts on other receptors than D2 and may alleviate symptons of regular antipsychotics
What are anxiolytics?
Depressants used to reduce nervous system activity
What are stimulants?
increases nervous system activity by increasing excitatory input or decreasing inhibitory activity (ex. Nicotine)
Describe cocaine
used to be used for food
highly addictive
Describe Opiates (narcotics)
opium contains morphine (related to heroin)
Opiates bind to opioid receptors in brain, especially in periaqueductal gray
Describe amphetamine
works first in axon terminal causing a large release of NT’s
then it interpheres w/ NT breakdowns, making synapses potent
Describe alcohol effects
biphasic; stimulant phase followed by a depressed phase
What are hallucinogens?
Seonsory percetions that cause hallucinations
-LSD
What is ecstacy?
Hallucinogenic amphetamine derivative
- stimulates visual levels and changes dopamine
levels
Describe marijuana
Rich in THC, causes relaxation and paranoia
