Wize University Psychology Textbook > Neuroscience
Agonists/Antagonists
Popular Courses
MCAT
General Course
Psychology
University Study Guides
PSYC 100A
Queen's University
PSYCH 1000
Western University
PSYCH 104
University of Alberta
PSYCH 1002
Western University
PSYC 1000
University of Guelph
Psychology
University Study Guides
PSYCH 1XX3
McMaster University
PSYC 100
McGill University
PSYC 101
University of British Columbia
PSYC 1010
York University
PSYC 200
University of Calgary
PSYC 100B
Queen's University
PSYC 100A
University of Victoria
PSYC 200
Concordia University
PSYC 1004
Virginia Tech
PSYCH 100
Pennsylvania State University
PSC 001
University of California - Davis
PSY 101
Michigan State University
0:00 / 0:00
Agonists & Antagonists
Agonists are drugs or substances which bind to receptor sites. They produce a biological response much like that of the neurotransmitter they mimic. Examples include:
- Morphine and other opioids are agonists for endorphins
- Cocaine is an agonist for dopamine
- Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are agonists for GABA
- Cannabis is an agonist for cannabinoid receptors
- Nicotine is an agonist for acetylcholine
Antagonists are drugs or substances which bind to receptor sites and block the binding of neurotransmitters, which reduces the effect of the neurotransmitter. Examples include:
- Dextromethorphan (common in cough syrups) and ketamine are antagonists for NMDA
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Botox, and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) are antagonists for acetylcholine
- Antipsychotics like Haldol are antagonists for dopamine
- Naloxone and naltrexone are antagonists for endorphins
Practice: Agonists/Antagonists
Cocaine is an _____ for dopamine, and antipsychotics are an ______ for dopamine