Dopamine receptor

effect on the body along with many side effects, and to truly understand how this drug works, this paper will discuss Lunesta’s effect on the body, more specifically, on the brain. Lunesta, is an agonist for the brain’s Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid receptor (GABA). This means that Lunesta, or eszopiclone is able to bind to GABA, allowing this chemical to be more available to the brain. GABA is a natural amino acid in the human brain that works as a neurotransmitter. Its primary role is to relieve…

246 million; this is the number of people aged between 15 and 64 years old estimated to have used an illicit drug in 2013 (World Drug Report 2015, 2015). This alarming statistic becomes even further disturbing when considering that 27 million people: more than 1 out of 10 drug users is a drug dependent. Drug abuse has many damaging consequences not only for the individual, but also for the society as a whole. The harm of a substance misuse is known by many however, some still acknowledge that…

Alcohol is known as the most-used substance of abuse for young adults. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, around 5,000 young adults die from drinking, before turning 21. In most cases, when a teenager drinks before reaching the age limit of 21, parents believe that their child is badly behaved. However, that’s not always the case. Many studies have showed that a large amount of teenagers drink before reaching the age limit because their friends peer pressure…

Caffeine is known as a central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class of psychoactive drugs, as defined in scientific terms. But to many college students and full-time working adults, they would best summarize it as a necessity of life. It is consumed in various forms such as coffee, tea, energy bars, or caffeinated soft drinks. Many use caffeine to help them maintain enough energy to get through a workday (or to deal with chemistry students), which is a big contributor as to why…

Methamphetamine, a drug surrounding the world we live in, produced in all sorts of shapes and sizes; consumed by almost 24.7 million substance users, carrying with it effects that can potentially lead to death. We as people hear the word and automatically jump to immediate thoughts “addiction, craziness, mental effects, life changer”, yet we do not necessarily know how is it that Methamphetamine affects us and why it causes such effects. It is known to be a potent synthetic drug that stimulates…

Substance abuse is a leading issue in today’s society; it can lead to physical and emotional damage as well as death. Drug addiction can completely change a person life in the worst ways; don’t be the one it affects. “More than 20 million Americans over the age of 12 currently use illicit drugs” (“Topic Overview: Substance Abuse” 1). There are many different reasons why people abuse drugs, and a range of effects on the user. What is substance/drug abuse? “Drug abuse is the nonmedical use of…

Sertraline. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling fundamental physiological aspects of the body. In the central nervous system (CNS), serotonin has a key role in regulating sleep, appetite, sexual desire and mood, also some cognitive function, including memory, learning and depression. Individuals who suffer from major depressive disorder are associated with decreased availability of serotonin or inefficient levels of serotonin. In addition, suicidal patients have…

A gene that codes for COMT, it is an enzyme that can break down the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine delivers signals to the brain for pain. COMT depletes the supply in the brain. This causes freeing receptors to bind to endorphins, which causes pain relief. However, researchers show that not one gene can affect a person's pain tolerance, but play a very big role in it. ( Brian Hygen) A key factor…

Picture a sponge. A common household item that is very simple yet useful. Now compare that sponge to the human brain. It’s porousness allows outside substances to seep in and be collected. The sponge grows and holds more than expected of it. Much like the sponge, our brain can absorb and retain valuable resources. Without the brain, humans would not be able to function. The brain, a highly complex part of the human anatomy, is in charge of one’s intelligence, the senses, producer of all body…

1. Discuss what a neuron is and the functions of its basic parts (dendrites, soma, axon, myelin sheath). A neuron is a nerve cell. There are about 10,000 specific types of neurons, but there are three most common neurons: sensory, motor, and interneurons. A sensory neuron sends signals to help your brain understand what is going on around you in your environment. Sensory neurons are what make up your senses, (smell, touch, see, taste, and hear.)…