Psychotropics (stimulants, depressants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedative/hypnotics, antipsychotics, dissociatives, etc.)
The interaction between benzodiazepines (benzos) and dopamine can disrupt the brain's neurotransmitter balance. Benzos can enhance the effects of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, leading to an imbalance in neurotransmitter activity. This can result in changes in mood, behavior, and cognition.
A substance that promotes the activity of a neurotransmitter is called an "agonist." Agonists bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic or enhance the effects of the natural neurotransmitter, thereby increasing its action in the brain or nervous system. For example, morphine acts as an agonist for endorphins, promoting pain relief and feelings of euphoria. This interaction can lead to various physiological and psychological effects depending on the neurotransmitter involved.
The binding of a neurotransmitter to a dendrite will cause one these three things to happen:excitement (stimulation)inhibition (stop activity)modulation (change activity by slowing it or increasing it)It all depends on the neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitter are means by which neurons communicate with one another. There are more than 30 compounds known to be neurotransmitters, and dozens of others are thought to be so.
beta neuron
neurotransmitter
Substances that facilitate or mimic the activity of a neurotransmitter system are known as agonists. These can include drugs, hormones, or natural compounds that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and activate them, producing effects similar to those of the natural neurotransmitter. For example, morphine acts as an agonist for the endorphin system by binding to opioid receptors, leading to pain relief. Additionally, some substances can enhance neurotransmitter release or inhibit their reuptake, further amplifying their effects in the synaptic cleft.
agonists Chemical substances that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell. Drug that enhances the effects of a particular neurotransmitter.
There are many kinds of synapses in the nervous system, but I assume you're talking about the most commonly discussed type: the chemical synapse. These synapses join nerve cells (called neurons) and allow them to communicate.Communication across a chemical synapse is called synaptic transmission. It occurs when electrical activity (called an action potential) in the first cell triggers the release of a chemical signal (called a neurotransmitter) across the synapse. The neurotransmitter travels across the synapse by a process of diffusion, ultimately reaching its target, the second cell. There, the neurotransmitter binds a special type of protein molecule called a neurotransmitter receptor, which changes its shape in response to binding the neurotransmitter. This shape change results in a series of subsequent changes in the second cell. These subsequent changes result in alterations in the electrical activity of the second cell.The gist of synaptic transmission is that it allows the electrical activity in one nerve cell to influence the electrical activity of another.
Yes, exogenous neurotransmitters are chemicals that are taken from outside the body and can affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain. These can include medications like antidepressants and stimulants that alter the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It works to reduce the activity of neurons, thus promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Dysregulation of GABA signaling has been linked to various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders.
Antiepileptic medications work primarily by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain to prevent seizures. They achieve this through various mechanisms, such as enhancing inhibitory neurotransmitter activity (like GABA) or inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release. While effective for seizure control, these medications can also cause side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, and potential impacts on metabolic processes. Overall, their effects can vary widely depending on the specific medication and individual patient responses.
Yes, engaging in sexual activity triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and its release can contribute to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction during sexual activity.