Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh) Enables muscle action, REM sleep, and memory Undersupply, as ACh- producing neurons deteriorate, marks Alzheimer’s disease

Dopamine Reward and Motivation, Motor Control over Voluntary Movements Excessive dopamine receptor activity is linked to schizophrenia; a lack of dopamine produces the tremors and lack of mobility of Parkinson’s disease

Serotonin Affects mood, hunger, temperature regulation, sleep, and arousal Undersupply is linked to depression; Prozac and other anti-depressants raise serotonin levels

Norepinephrine Helps to control alertness, dreaming, waking from sleep, reactions to stress Undersupply can depress mood

GABA Neural inhibitor with a tranquilizing effect. Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia

Glutamate Involved in memory Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures

Endorphins Natural opiates that are released in response to pain and vigorous exercise

Epinephrine Adrenaline Burst of Energy (small amounts in brain)