How does Ritalin affect the synapse?

Answer 1

Ritalin (Methylphenidate), affects the synapse in a way that is similar to amphetamines, however in a more mild manner. It is an agonist to Dopamine and Norepenephrine; neurotransmitters in our brain that regulate arousal and attention. Normally, the transmitter fires the chemical into the synapse. the next transmitter accepts the chemical, sends the signal on, and the chemicals are recycled back into the sending transmitter; a process called "re-uptake". What Ritalin does is it blocks the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter, so more stays in the synapse, therefore creating a stronger signal throughout the brain. When these two neurotransmitters are affected in this way, it causes a feeling of arousal because of the dopamine excess, and mental clarity and focus, because of the noropenephrine excess.

Answer 2

Ecstasy, known also as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a potent stimulant of the brain. It acts at the synapse by binding preferentially to a protein called SERT (serotonin transporter), a major protein involved in serotonin reuptake at the synapse. With SERT bound by ecstasy, thus there is more serotonin left at the synaptic cleft to bind the postsynaptic serotonin receptors. Serotonin pathways are major regulators of mood and the resulting increase in serotonin signaling as seen in ecstasy are thought to contribute heavily to the drug's effects. Similar mechanisms of use are used in drugs such as antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), although the effects are much less dramatic than those of ecstasy.

This is a strong misconception about MDMA (ecstasy), it in fact does bind to the SERT protein, however like amphetamine's interactions with DAT (dopamine transportters) it reverses its funciton. So it actually causes your SERT to release serotonin as oppose to take it back into the cell. This is what leads to that excessive loss of serotonin from the storage sites within cells (usually axon neurites). The mechanism described above is that of SSRI's serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which i promise you does not have the same effects as that of ecstasy.

Answer 3

stimulants cause more neurotransmitter molecules to diffuse across the synapse

depressants stop the next neurone sending nerve impulses - they bind to the receptor molecules it needs to respond to the neurotransmitter molecules.

Answer 4

Stimulants increase the activity of the brain and makes you more alert.

Answer 5

Caffeine is a stiumlant that reacts with the neurotransmitters in the nerve endings where the synapses are, they block off the transmittion of the chemicals