Psychopharmachology Terms

A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells more distant than the synapse by diffusing away form the point of release

A chemical messenger that communicates with target cells at great distance, often by traveling through the circulation

A chemical messenger that communicates across a synapse

A postsynaptic receptor that responds to both ACh and muscarine

A postsynaptic receptor that responds to nicotine and ACh

An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine

A major small-molecule neurotransmitter used at the neuromusclar junction, in the autonomic nervous system, and in the central nervous system

One of a subgroup of monoamines, including serotonin and melatonin

One of a major group of biogenic amine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, morepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin

A member of a group related biogenic amines that includes dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine

One of the monoamine/ catecholamine neurotransmitters; also known as adrenaline

An enzyme that breaks down monoamines

A major monoamine and catecholamine neurotransmitter

A major monoamine and catecholamine neurotransmitter implicated in motor control, reward, and psychosis

A gas that performs a type of signaling between neurons

A major monoamine and indolamine neurotransmitter believed to participate in the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite

A major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter

A byproduct of adensoine triphosphate (ATP) that functions as a neurotransmitter

A major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter

Perceived benefit from inactive substances or procedures

A brainstem area, in which the blood-brain barrier is more permeable, that triggers vomiting and response to the detection of circlating toxins

A dopaminergic structure believed to participate in reward and addiction

A compulsive craving for drug effects or other experiences

The symptoms that occur when certain addictive drugs are no longer administered or are administered in smaller quanities 

The process in which more of a drug is needed to produce the same effect

Substance that promotes the activity of a neurotransmitter

Substance that reduces the action of a neurotransmitter

A stimulant drug that is the major active component in tabacco

An illegal liquid sedative that appears to affect the thresholds of respones for a number of neurotransmitters

The major ingredient of cannabis

A hallucinogenic drug that resembles serotonin

An herb that is frequently used to selftreat mild depression

A hallucinogen that acts as an antagonist at the NMDA glutamate receptor

The active hallucinogenic ingredient found in the peyote cactus

A stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate that acts as an antagonist to adenosine

A drug that produces changes in mental processes

A close relative of amphetamine that produces it behavioral effects by stimulating the release of serotonin

A naturally occuring neuropeptide that is very closely related ot opioids

A highly addictive drug that acts as a potent dopamine agonist

An active substance derived from the opium poppy

A variation of amphetamine that is cheaply produced and widely abused in the United States

A powerful, addictive dopamine agonist derived from the leaves of the coca plant of South America