2. The Effects of Drugs on Neurotransmitters
Agonist - mimic OR increase Nts’effects
Antagonist - block the Nts’ effects
Can facilitate OR inhibit production and release of Nts
Can alter Nt’s effects after attachment to receptors

3. Other Examples: Cocaine: affects dopamine system
stimulates different dopamine receptors
prevents reuptake of dopamine
long term use upsets normal levels
Sedatives:  activity in the GABA system
LSD, PCP, Mescaline, Ecstasy (MDMA): affect serotonin production and receptors
Prozac, Paxil and others: SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor); reduces the reuptake of serotonin (thus more is available)

4. Example: Alcohol
Inhibits the flow of sodium across the neuron’s membrane
Makes some GABA receptors more responsive
Affects dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems
It becomes even more complex when mixed with sedatives

5. Example: Amphetamines
 the release of norepinephrine (neurotransmitter)
 its reuptake (thus more of it is available)
 the release of dopamine (neurotransmitter) and blocks its reuptake

9. Shows pronounced reductions (83-95%) in serotonin axon density in all areas of the cerebral cortex. The last section shows that seven years after MDMA was given, there is still significant loss of serotonin fibers, though there appears to be some recovery