1. Neurotransmitters Chemicals that influence the firing of nerve cells Can “excite”-make firing more likely Or “inhibit” make firing less likely

2. Neurotransmitter FunctionAssociated Diseases Acetylcholine Found at neuromuscular junction; memory and learning Alzheimer’s disease (decreased Ach) Black widow spider (increased Ach) Botox (decreased Ach) Curare (decreased Ach) Dopamine Movement, learning, attention, emotions, and rewards Parkinson’s disease (decreased dopamine) Schizophrenia (increased dopamine) Depression (decreased dopamine) Serotonin Sleep, mood, hunger, arousal Depression (decreased serotonin) Anorexia (increased serotonin) Sleep disorders Norepinephrine Fight or flight response Depression (decreased NE) Endorphins (endogenous opiates) Pain, emotions Mimicked by opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine) Runners high Neurostimulation GABA (gamma amino- butyric acid) Hunger and sleep, inhibits CNS Alcohol consumption causes an increase in GABA

3. Effects of Drugs + Meds on Neurotransmitters Alcohol- Increases GABA, Increases Dopamine Prozac- Increases Serotonin levels  Same with Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Luvox Opiates- Increases Dopamine, Mimics Endorphins  Morphine and heroin Nicotine- Imitates Acetylcholine