neurotransmitters

• Drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry at synapses, often by either amplifying or blocking a neurotransmitter’s activity.
• Agonist molecules mimic the effect of neurotransmitters or block neurotransmitter reuptake.
• Opiates (morphine, oxycodone, heroine, etc.) mimic endorphins.
• Adderall mimics norepinephrine.
• Antagonists block a neurotransmitter’s functioning.
• LSD antagonist for serotonin.
• PCP antagonist of glutamate.
• Some drugs that are dopamine antagonists are used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.
• Acetylcholine is active in both the PNS & CNS, connected to motor moment (muscle action), attention & arousal, memory & learning.
• Acetylcholine is an excitatory neurotransmitter and the first neurotransmitter discovered.
• Serotonin is connected to mood regulation, emotion, hunger regulation sleep/wakefulness (arousal), sexual desire.
• Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and a major part of many popular drug treatments for depression and anxiety.
• Dopamine is released into the pleasure centers of the brain, related to reward and motivation (learning), also connected to movement, attention, and emotion.
• GABA is an inhibitory transmitter that slows things down, calming the central nervous system and is known as a "natural tranquilizer", regulating daily sleep-wake cycles.
• Dopamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays a role in a number of behaviors related to reward and motivation.
• As we repeat a behavior or cognitive task, we make the connections in our brain stronger through glutamate.
• Endorphins are triggered by activities such as aerobic exercise, and experiencing a "runner's high".
• Too little endorphins can lead to the body experiencing pain.
• GABA increases sleepiness and decreases anxiety, alertness, memory and muscle tension.
• Too much endorphins can lead to the body not giving adequate warning about pain.
• Norepinephrine is associated with response to danger, increase alertness and arousal, and mood elevation.
• Endorphins relieve pain and stress, are the "Brain’s natural aspirin", and provide feelings of pleasure/euphoria.
• Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter, involved with most normal operations of the brain including thinking, long-term memory, and learning.
• Too much GABA can lead to overly relaxed and sedated state, often impairing normal reactions.
• Norepinephrine levels are typically lowest during sleep and highest during times of stress.
• Too little glutamate can result in difficulty concentrating or mental exhaustion.
• Too little GABA is associated with anxiety disorders, seizures, tremors, and insomnia.
• Too much glutamate can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or epileptic seizures.
• Too much dopamine has been associated with schizophrenia (most likely too many dopamine receptors), drug addiction.
• Too little dopamine is associated with some forms of depression as well as the muscular rigidity and tremors.