CHEM 183 Lecture Notes - Haloperidol, Lorazepam, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

• School: McGill University
• Department: Chemistry
• Course: CHEM 183
• Professor: Joe Schwarcz

Document Summary

Neurotransmitters synthesized in vesicles and will flow into synapse and fit into the right receptors. Reserpine causes norepinephrine to leak out of vesicles. Amphetamines squeeze norepinephrine and dopamine out of vesicles, enhancing activity. Henri laborit (1902) found that patients had heart attacks prior to surgery. Thought it was due to sudden secretion of histamine. Investigated compounds of molecular similar to promethazine and came up with chlorpromazine (thorazine) - has calming effects. Chlorpromazine worked well and so it was used on schizophrenics. Nathan kline (usa psychiatrist) experimented with reserpine to treat schizophrenics. Snakeroot plant in india used as an antihypertensive. Looked into it and reserpine calmed down his schizophrenic patients. Schizophrenia is characterized by high amounts of dopamine in synapses. Reserpine caused dopamine to leak out of vesicles before going to synapse. All based on chlorpromazine and block dopamine receptors. Eventually 25% of schizophrenics achieve remission with appropriate medications. Not clear if newer drugs are better than older ones.