EFFECT OF DRUGS

• WHAT IS AN EXCITATORY EFFECT?

  produces a new action potential
• WHAT IS AN INHIBITORY EFFECT?

  less likely a new action potential is produced
• WHAT CAN DRUGS DO?

  1. Stimulate nervous system to produce more action potentials
  2. Inhibit nervous system by creating fewer action potentials
• HOW CAN DRUGS STIMULATE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM TO PRODUCE MORE ACTION POTENTIALS?

  • mimic neurotransmitter
  • stimulate release of more neurotransmitter
  • inhibit enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitter
• HOW CAN DRUGS INHIBIT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM TO PRODUCE FEWER ACTION POTENTIALS?

  • inhibit release of neurotransmitter
  • block receptors of Na+/ K+ channels on postsynaptic neurone
• WHAT HAPPENS IF A DRUG INHIBITS AN EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTER?

  reduces a particular effect
• WHAT HAPPENS IF A DRUG INHIBITS AND INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTER?

  enhances a particular effect