Alcohol
This neurotransmitter system is primarily responsible for the sedative effects of alcohol.
GABA
This class of drugs, including ibuprofen, works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The main receptor type that mediates opioid analgesia and euphoria.
mu-opioid receptor
The monoamine hypothesis suggests that low levels of this particular neurotransmitter contribute to depression.
serotonin (also other monamines, but primarily 5HT)
The brain region most associated with the sensation of fear in anxiety disorders.
Amygdala
The primary enzyme that metabolizes ethanol in the liver.
alcohol dehydrogenase?
Name an endogenous opioid that reduces pain perception.
endorphin
(Enkephalins, Dynorphins)
A drug used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose, often included in first-aid kits nowadays.
naloxone
This class of antidepressants blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
TCAs (also SNRIs)
Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of this neurotransmitter.
GABA
A deficiency of this vitamin due to chronic alcohol use can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
The main type of pain fiber that carries sharp, localized pain signals.
A-delta fibers
The plant from which natural opioids like morphine are derived
poppy
An older class of antidepressants that requires dietary restrictions due to interactions with tyramine.
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
This class of drugs, including fluoxetine and sertraline, is commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The metabolite of ethanol that contributes to hangover symptoms and is targeted by disulfiram.
acetaldehyde
This neurotransmitter, released from nociceptive neurons, contributes to inflammatory pain.
substance P
The mechanism by which opioids inhibit neurotransmitter release
inhibition of calcium channels
Chronic stress and depression are associated with increased activity of this hormonal axis.
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
This autonomic nervous system division is responsible for the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and sweating.
sympathetic nervous system
Chronic alcohol use can lead to upregulation of expression of these excitatory receptors, contributing to withdrawal symptoms.
NMDAR
The part of the brainstem that plays a key role in descending pain modulation.
periaqueductal gray (PAG)
Withdrawal symptoms from opioids are mainly caused by upregulation of this neurotransmitter
norepinephrine
The long-term use of antidepressants is believed to increase neuroplasticity in this brain region critical for mood regulation and memory
hippocampus
The condition characterized by excessive worry about multiple aspects of daily life.
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)