Ligand-gated ion channels directly targeted by psychotropic drugs

Question 1

Acetylcholine partial agonist at a4B2 nicotinic receptors

Answer 1

Nicotinic receptor partial agonist (NRPA) varenicline for smoking cessation.

Question 2

GABA full agonist at GABAa benzodiazepine receptors

Answer 2

Benzodiazepines (anxiolytics) for anxiety.

Question 3

GABA full agonist at GABAa non-benzodiazepine PAM sites

Answer 3

Z-drugs/hyponotics for insomnia - zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), zopiclone, eszopiclone (Lunesta)

Question 4

Glutamate antagonist at NMDA NAM channel sites/Mg sites

Answer 4

NMDA glutamate antagonist memantine for slowing Alzheimer’s progression.

Question 5

Glutamate antagonist at NMDA open channel sites

Answer 5

PCP and ketamine - hallucinogen anesthetic

Question 6

Serotonin antagonist at 5HT3 receptors

Answer 6

Antidepressant/antiemetic mirtazepine to reduce nausea (also chemotherapy-induced nausea)