PMHS
AP PSYCH
Name______________________________
AIM: To understand, summarize the mechanism of action of major psychoactive drugs
aGOnist – MORE neurotransmitters
a) close reuptake channel
b) mimic or pretend to be the
neurotransmitter
anTAGonist – FEWER neurotransmitters
a) block receptors or dendrites
b) prevent neurotransmitters from
being released
Stimulants: Drugs that EXCITE neural activity and speed up body functions
Drug
Significant
AGOnist or
Neurotransmitters or AnTAGonist – why?
ions
Cocaine
Mouse Party
Mechanism of action - PBS
Amphetamine or
Methamphetamine
Mouse Party
Ecstasy or MDMA
(methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Mouse Party
*note: Ecstasy also considered a
mild hallucinogen
Hallucinogens: Drugs that DISTORT perception and evoke sensory images in the absence
of sensory input. Also known as “psychedelic or “mind manifesting”
Drug
Significant
AGOnist or
Neurotransmitters or AnTAGonist – why?
ions
LSD or acid (lysergic acid
diethylamide)
Mouse Party
Marijuana
Mouse Party
Depressants: Drugs that CALM neural activity and slow body functions
Significant
AGOnist or
Drug
Neurotransmitters or AnTAGonist – why?
ions
Barbiturates (tranquilizers)
Mechanism of action
Alcohol
Mouse Party
Mechanism of action - PBS
Opiates or analgesics “pain
reducers” – heroin, opium,
morphine, methadone
Mouse Party
Mechanism of action – PBS
*note: There are many FDA
approved prescription “pain
reducers” that are currently
being abused like Oxycontin and
Vicodin and a newly approved
drug, as of Oct 25, 2013
Zohydro
Practice
Classification
Drug names (try to
rewrite without looking
at notes)
Stimulants
Depressants
Hallucinogens
Neurotransmitters or
ions
Cerebral Commando video game
Review sleep stages
Study for Monday’s test