PSYC 3403 Lecture Notes - Orbitofrontal Cortex, Ventral Tegmental Area, Active Metabolite

• School: Carleton University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3403
• Professor: Tarry Ahuja

Document Summary

Overview: benzodiazapines, flumazenil: a gabaa antagonist, second-generation anxiolytics. Benzodiazepine: thought of as a next generation barbiturate, anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, most widely used psychotherapeutic drug, valium, librium, xanax, next generation anxiolytics are more common. Benzodiazepine (mechanism of action: potent gaba agonists, facilitate binding of gaba, causes influx of cl- hyperpolarization. Lecture 5b - benzodiazepines: causes calcium to come through, filled with gaba, when the calcium comes in it releases gaba into the synaptic clef. 3: binds to the gaba receptor, normally you require two gaba to open the channel, but since we have benzodiazapines in our system they make it easier for gaba to bind. Does not require two gaba, only requires one to open the channel when benzodiazapines are present***must know and understand this process*** Benzodiazepine (mechanism of action: potent gaba agonists, facilitate binding of gaba, causes influx of cl- a hyperpolarization, site of action: limbic system, side effects: cerebral cortex and brainstem.