Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Acetylcholine Effects
↓Heart rate ↑Secretions (sweat, saliva) ↑Memory ↑Muscle contractions
Norepinephrine Effects
↑Heart rate ↑Alertness ↑Happiness ↓Blood circulation ↓Pain
Dopamine Effects
↑Alertness ↑Happiness ↓Hunger
Serotonin Effects
↑Happiness ↑Fullness ↓Pain
Glutamate Effects
The most common excitatory neurotransmitter
GABA Effects
↑Sleepiness ↓Anxiety ↓Alertness ↓Memory ↓Muscle tension
Opioids Effects
↑Sleepiness ↓Anxiety ↓Pain
Cannabinoids Effects
↑Hunger
Histamine Effects
↑Wakefulness ↑Stomach acid ↑Itchiness ↓Hunger
Drugs that increase or mimic: Acetylcholine
Nicotine, muscarine, Chantix, nerve gases (VX, Sarin), Alzheimer’s drugs (Aricept, Exelon), physostigmine, Tensilon, pilocarpine
Drugs that increase or mimic: Norepinephrine
Amphetamine, cocaine, SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta), tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, Wellbutrin, LSD, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), albuterol, pyridostigmine
Drugs that increase or mimic: Dopamine
Amphetamine, cocaine, Parkinson’s drugs (levodopa, bromocriptine, benztropine), MAOIs, Wellbutrin, LSD
Drugs that increase or mimic: Serotonin
Amphetamine, cocaine, LSD, psychedelics (mushrooms, mescaline), SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft), tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, BuSpar, triptans (sumatriptan, for migraines)
Drugs that increase or mimic: Glutamate
D-cycloserine, domoic acid (shellfish)
Drugs that increase or mimic: GABA
Alcohol, barbiturates (phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Valium), GHB, baclofen, neurosteroids (alphaxolone), muscimol
Drugs that increase or mimic: Opioids
Morphine, heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Drugs that increase or mimic: Cannabinoids
THC (marijuana, hashish), nabilone
Drugs that increase or mimic: Histamine
Opiates, betahistine
Drugs that decrease or block: Acetylcholine
BZ, atropine, scopolamine, benztropine, biperiden, curare, Botox, mecamylamine, α-bungarotoxin
Drugs that decrease or block: Norepinephrine
Propranolol, clonidine, phentolamine, reserpine, AMPT
Drugs that decrease or block: Dopamine
Antipsychotics (Haldol), reserpine, tetrabenazine, AMPT
Drugs that decrease or block: Serotonin
Atypical antipsychotics (Risperdal, Seroquel), Zofran, reserpine, TPH inhibitors, tryptophan-depleted drink
Drugs that decrease or block: Glutamate
PCP, ketamine, Namenda (for Alzheimer’s), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), dizocilpine
Drugs that decrease or block: GABA
Flumazenil, bicuculline, bemegride, Ro 15-4513, phaclofen
Drugs that decrease or block: Opioids
Naloxone, naltrexone
Drugs that decrease or block: Cannabinoids
Rimonabant
Drugs that decrease or block: Histamine
Benadryl, antipsychotics, Tagamet, Zantac
Serotonin - Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms
Found in the brain and brain stem (pineal gland, raphe nuclei in the pons, and limbic function - emotions/mood, hunger, sex, instincts, temperature, and sleep). The receptors involved are 5-HT - excitatory or inhibitory.
Too Much Serotonin
Serotonin syndrome - headache, euphoria, confusion, agitation, seizures, stroke, hyperthermia, HTN, sweating, tachycardia, or irregular rhythm, as well as shivering, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, fever, hypomania, hallucinations, incoordination
Too Little Serotonin
Depression, carb cravings, anxiety, pain sensitivity, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, constipation
Most common psychiatric disorders associated with the imbalance of SEROTONIN
depression, sleep regulation, anxiety, social interaction, impulsivity, sex drive issues
Drug classes associated with targeting/re-uptake of Serotonin
SSRIs (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft), SNRIs (Cymbalta, Effexor), 5-HTP, SAM-e, St Johns Wort, Atypical Antipsychotics, MAOIs (isocarboxazid, phenelzine), amphetamines, anorectics, anti-migraine medication (triptans, Tegretol, valproic acid), lithium, buspirone, opioids, Ultra (SSRI & mu receptor activation), Trazadone (SARI - Serotonin Agonist and reuptake inhibitor), Tricyclic anti-depressants, Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban} NDRI -(norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor), Illicit drugs (LSD, ecstasy, cocaine, meth), Nutritional Supplements, ( ginseng, nutmeg), OTC Cough & Cold meds containing (dextromethorphan), anti-nausea meds (Reglan, Zofran), Linezolid (Zyvox) antibiotic, Ritonavir (HIV med)
Serotonin decreaseswhen
estrogen and testosterone decrease
Serotonin - Head, Red, Fed
- Head - Satisfaction, sociality, migraine, decreased anxiety, decreased impulsivity, decreased sex.
- Red - Platelets, bleeding
- Fed - appetite, GI motility, nausea
Serotonin - Head, Red, Fed
- Head - Satisfaction, sociality, migraine, decreased anxiety, decreased impulsivity, decreased sex.
- Red - Platelets, bleeding
- Fed - appetite, GI motility, nausea
Serotonin Syndrome - Head, Red, Dead
- Head - Headache, confusion, agitation, seizures, stroke
- Red - Red face due to hyperthermia, HTN, sweating, tachycardia, or irregular rhythm, as well as shivering, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, fever,
- Dead - Mortality 2-12%
Another way to remember symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome use the mnemonic CAN
C- Cognitive changes, including confusion, agitation, hypomania, hallucinations, euphoria, insomnia,
A- Autonomic changes, including tachycardia or irregular rhythm, as well as shivering, diarrhea, fever, sweating, dilated pupils,
N - Neuromotor changes, including muscle rigidity, seizures, tremors, incoordination
Serotonin - SIR Raphael
Serotonin from the Raphe Nuclei
Norepinephrine - Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms
Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms - are found in the brain (locus ceruleus projecting to the cortex for arousal, attention, & anxiety) and ANS (postganglionic neurons) in the sympathetic neurons. Receptors are all adrenergic (alpha1, beta1 - excitability and alpha2 and beta 2- inhibitory)
Too Much Norepinepherine
irritability, emotional instability, anxiety, depression, ADHD, poor sleep,
Too Little Norepinepherine
insomnia, inability to deal with stress, low energy, daytime fatigue, decreased general apathy,
Most common psychiatric disorders associated with the imbalance of - Norepinephrine
ADHD,
anxiety,
depression,
cardiac failure
Misc Notes on Norepinephrine
- Fight or flight neurotransmitter
- laser focus and motivation
- A daytime nap can double Norepinephrine (20-45 mins)
- eat Tyrosine rich foods
during flight or fight, the body will centrally & peripherally
centrally - concentration, attention
peripherally - tachycardia, HTN, glucose, essential organs
Cerberus coming -
Locus ceruleus produce norepinephrine
Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms - Acetylcholine
are found in motor neurons, the brain’s basal ganglion, and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), affecting the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The receptors involved are nicotinic receptors - excitatory and muscarinic receptors - excitatory or inhibitory.
Too much Acetylcholine
Depression, nightmares, mental fatigue, anxiety
Too little Acetylcholine
Alzheimer’s, dementia, tremors, impaired cognition/attention/arousal
Most common psychiatric disorders associated with the imbalance of - Acetylcholine
Alzheimer’s
Dementia
Parkinsons
Drug classes associated with targeting/re-uptake of acetylcholine
- Cholinergic (bladder control, m=severe muscle weakness, and glaucoma)
- Anti-Cholenergic (extrapyramidal symptoms, muscular spasm, akathisia, drug-induced parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia) atropine, benzatropine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, bupropion, dextromethorphan
misc notes on acetylcholine
- in low doses can act like a stimulant releasing norepinephrine and dopamine
Nutrition - food high in Choline
Acetylcholine mnemonic ACh
Autonomic - Parasynthetic NS, bradycardia, increased sexual arousal (desire and activity), urination, lacrimation, salivation, increased GI motility, sleep.
Contraction - muscle
Hippocampus - learning, memory, awakeness, attention, higher-order thought process,
Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms - Dopamine
are found in the brain, brain stem (substantia nigra (reward, addiction, movement), hypothalamus (inhibits prolactin release), and kidneys. The receptors involved are D1 (excitatory) and D2 (inhibitory). Inhibits Norepinephrine and causes vasodilation (relaxation).
Too much Dopamine
Schizophrenia & Psychosis, unnecessary movement, repetitive tics, hypersexuality, nausea, hypomania/mania,
Too Little Dopamine
Parkinson’s, increased Lymphocytes can be a cause of increased autoimmune disease symptoms, pain, blunting of affect/apathy, loss of motivation, RLS, ADHD, age-related cognitive flexibility, fatigue, lack of motivation, inability to feel pleasure, procrastination, low libido, hopelessness, sleep problems, mood swings, inability to concentrate
Most common psychiatric disorders associated with the imbalance of - Dopamine
Schizophrenia,
Psychosis,
Parkinson’s
Drug classes associated with targeting/re-uptake - Dopamine
most antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists (blocking dopamine) - Risperidone, Haldol, Zyprexa, Reglan,
Dopamine agonists (increasing) -
Requip, Mirapex, Levodopa/Carbidopa (converts to dopamine in the brain), & BUSPIRONE
Supplements that increase - Dopamine
L-theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, aka golden root
Misc notes on Dopamine
- is sensitive to hydration changes and levels of estrogen in the body
- Pleasure transmitter
- Inhibits norepinephrine release and acts as a vasodilator (causing relaxation)
- a nutritional - diet rich in magnesium, tyrosine
Mnemonic
DOPAMINE
Drive
psychOsis
Parkinsonism
Attention
Motor & Motivation
Inhibition of prolactin (decreased lactation)
Narcotics
Extrapyramidal
The reward pathway in the brain is the Ventral Tegmental Area, so think of
Very Tired Addicts because their VTA is overexerted.
Psychological properties associated with psychiatric symptoms - GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid)
found everywhere in the CNS (universal inhibitor), predominately found in interneurons. Receptors are GABAa - CL- channel & GABAb - decreases cAMP and increases K+ channels.
Too much GABA
- excess sleepiness, shallow breathing, decreased b/p, memory problems, dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness (looks like an OD, ETOH intoxication)
too little GABA
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, difficulty focusing/concentrating, seizures
Most common psychiatric disorders associated with the imbalance of - GABA
Anxiety and rehab for drug abuse
Drug classes associated with targeting/re-uptake - GABA
- Increases GABA - anti-convulsant, anti-anxiety, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, Klonopin, Gabapentin (GABA analog), Valium, Xanax, baclofen, GHB
Misc Notes on GABA
- GABA is made from Glutamate
- Chillax transmitor
- Nutrition - Fermented foods, yogurt,
- B6 & B8 deficiency can cause low GABA
The trick to remembering GABA
is that a boring lecturer will gaba, gaba, gaba
