PSYC 311 Chapter Notes - Chapter 18.6: Reuptake, Stimulant, Nicotinic Antagonist

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 311
• Professor: Michalakis Petrides

Document Summary

Cocaine and amphetamine have similar behavioural effects, because both act as potent dopamine agonists. However, their sites of action are very different. Cocaine binds with and deactivates the dopamine transported proteins, thus blocking the reuptake of dopamine after it is released from the terminal buttons. When people take cocaine, they become euphoric, active, and talkative. For some, this becomes an obsession which requires more and more money. Laboratory animals will quickly learn to self-administer cocaine intravenously, and will act excited, show exploratory activity, and after a few days they will show stereotyped movements. The mesolimbic dopamine system plays an essential role in all types of reinforcement. Many studies have shown that intravenous injection of cocaine and amphetamine increase the concentration of dopamine in the nac. One of the alarming effects of cocaine and amphetamine seen in people who abuse the drugs regularly is psychotic behaviour- hallucinations, delusions of persecution, mood disturbances, and repetitive behaviours.