PSYC414 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1 : Pharmacogenetics, Psilocybin, Mescaline
15 Feb 2018
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= the study of the physiological and biochemical interaction of drug molecules w/ target tissue responsible for the ultimate effects of a drug; act on receptors. Receptor- large protein molecules located on the surface of or w/in cells; initial sites of action of biologically active agents (nt, hormones, drugs ligands) Ligand- any molecule that binds to a receptor with some selectivity. Receptors within target cell, either in cytoplasm or nucleus. Cns stimulants- produce increased electrical activity in the brain and behavioral arousal, alertness, and a sense of well-being: amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine. Cns depressants- depress cns function and behavior to cause a sense of relaxation and drowsiness: barbiturates, alcohol. Analgesics- cns-depressant qualities, reduction of pain: narcotics ** most important, morphine, opiates, codeine. Hallucinogens- mind-alteri(cid:374)g drugs, (cid:862)psy(cid:272)hedeli(cid:272)s(cid:863), alter per(cid:272)eptio(cid:374)s: mescaline, lsd, psilocybin. Psychotherapeutics- used to treat clinical d/o of mood or behavior; antipsychotics (reduce symptoms), antidepressants (mood d/os), mood stabilizers (dramatic mood swings); very different mechanisms of action: prozac, thorazine.
