PSYA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5.3: Diazepam, Anandamide, Lorazepam
Document Summary
Psya01 chap 5. 3 notes: agonist- enhances or mimics the activity of a neurotransmitter, antagonist- blocks or inhibits the activity of a neurotransmitter. The short-term effects of drugs can be caused by a number of different brain mechanisms including. Altering the amount of the neurotransmitter being released into the synapse. Preventing the reuptake of the neurotransmitter once it has been released, thereby allowing it to have a longer influence on other neurons. Blocking the receptor that the neurotransmitter would normally bind to or. Binding to the receptor in place of the neurotransmitter: dopamine releases in the nucleus accumbens and the tegmental area. Tolerance- when repeated use of a drug results in a need for higher dose to get the intended effect: down-regulation- some of the receptors move further away from the synapse so that they are more difficult to stimulate. Physical dependence- the need to take a drug to ward off unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms.
