Neurochemistry Chapter 1

Dopamine

• Neurotransmitters that open the gate, thus increasing cell firings, are
• called

Those that close the gate and reduce cell firings are called

Where neurotransmitters combine or attach

Strength of attraction the bind- in regards to a receptor site

Goodness of fit with the site- in regards to a receptor site

How the drugs, body (brain) and genes interact

What the body does to the drug

What the drug does to the brain/body

• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Caffeine
• Nicotine

• Opiates/Opiods
• Sedatives- Hypnotics
• Alcohol

• LSD
• Mescaline
• Marijuana

Effect of a given does diminishes over time

Higher and more frequent doses are needed to maintain the same effect

• (ALCOHOL) WILL RESULT IN TOLERANCE TO OTHER SIMILAR DRUGS
• (ANESTHETIC/SLEEPER)

Abrupt discontinuation of psychoactive drug results in physical and/or psychological impairment which is relieved by the same or similar drug

Ability of one drug to suppress withdrawal symptoms of a different drug

All of those specific and individual factors about a person which mat effect the response to a drug. 

Ex: personality, expectations, motivation state of health, ect

• Liberation
• Absorption
• Distribution
• Metabolism
• Elimination

Disintegration (the process of coming to pieces ) of dosage form or dissolution of particles

• Different methods
• inhaled
• Intravenous
• Intranasal
• Buccal
• Oral
• Cutaneous

Is the fastest method because the lugs have such a large surface area

The heart only has to beat once for some of the drug to reach the brain. (High within 7-10 Seconds)

More intense high even thought it takes a few seconds loner to reach the brain

Holding in the mouth

Ex: Nicotine

• Swallowing- has to reach the intestine 
• Takes 10-30 minutes to get high

• On the skin
• Takes hours to get high

The brain

Psychoactive drugs are fat soluble by definition

Specialized cells help to create a fatty barrier of water-soluble substance. 

Brain gets extra protection 

Psychoactive drugs are lipid-soluble and can cross easily

• Part most responsible for addiction 
• Nucleus Accumbens
• Hypothalamus
• Amygdala
• Hippocampus
• Ventral Tegmental Area

Enzymes in the liver chemically alter the drug before it is ultimately eliminated fro the body

The length of time it takes for drug's concentration in the blood to be reduce by 50%