Ecstasy (also known as MDMA) is an illegal synthetic drug that is classed as an empathogen (increases feeling of empathy and compassion towards others) but also acts as a nervous system stimulant. In high doses, ecstasy can
cause perceptual changes and floating sensations
, as well as seizures and vomiting.
What part of the nerve is affected by ecstasy?
The nerve pathway that is predominantly affected by ecstasy is called
the serotonin pathway
What neurotransmitter does methylenedioxymethamphetamine affect?
For example, the club drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA [Ecstasy/Molly]) damages axons (the branch of a neuron that releases its neurotransmitter into the synapse) that release
serotonin
; the result is disruption of serotonin neurotransmission that may underlie the memory problems that are sometimes experienced …
What will a narcotic do to a person’s nervous system?
Opioid drugs also
disrupt the natural production of norepinephrine
and act as central nervous system depressants. Opioids block pain sensations, induce drowsiness, reduce body temperature, and slow heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration functions.
What are the two main ways in which drugs can interact with neurotransmitter systems?
Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters
. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. This allows the drugs to attach onto and activate the neurons.
How do stimulants affect the nervous system?
Stimulants
stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
(dilation of the bronchioles in the lungs). They can cause a dangerously high body temperature, especially if paired with physical exertion. Other serious effects include: Seizures.
What drugs release dopamine in the brain?
Research has shown that the drugs most commonly abused by humans (including
opiates, alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine
) create a neurochemical reaction that significantly increases the amount of dopamine that is released by neurons in the brain’s reward center.
What drugs affect neurotransmitters?
Some street drugs
How do neurotransmitters affect behavior?
Billions of neurotransmitter molecules work constantly to keep our brains functioning, managing everything from our breathing to our heartbeat to our learning and concentration levels. They can also affect a variety of psychological functions such as
fear, mood, pleasure, and joy
.
How do depressants affect the nervous system and behavior?
Depressant substances reduce arousal and stimulation. They do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. They affect the central nervous system,
slowing down the messages between the brain and the body
. They can affect concentration and coordination.
What are the side effects of stimulants?
Stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine. Large doses can cause over-stimulation, resulting in
anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia
. Long-term use of strong stimulants can have adverse effects.
What drug relaxes the central nervous system?
Common benzos include
Valium, Xanax, and Ativan
. Benzodiazepines are highly effective in treating anxiety and insomnia due to the sleep-inducing, sedative, and muscle-relaxing properties.
What affects your nervous system?
Some of the most common causes of nerve damage include: Disease:
Many infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases like diabetes, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
can cause nervous system problems. Diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, causing tingling and pain in the legs and feet.
What drug increases dopamine levels the most?
Although both
methamphetamine and cocaine
increase levels of dopamine, administration of methamphetamine in animal studies leads to much higher levels of dopamine, because nerve cells respond differently to the two drugs.
What are the symptoms of low dopamine?
- muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors.
- aches and pains.
- stiffness in the muscles.
- loss of balance.
- constipation.
- difficulty eating and swallowing.
- weight loss or weight gain.
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
What is the fastest way to increase dopamine?
Getting enough sleep
, exercising, listening to music, meditating and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body’s natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.
