Neurotransmitter Mini Quiz Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the primary role of Serotonin (5-HT)?
Keeps you calm, happy, sleeping, and emotionally stable.
Helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion.
Which medications increase serotonin levels?
SSRIs like fluoxetine/Prozac, sertraline/Zoloft, escitalopram/Lexapro
These medications are used to treat depression and anxiety.
What are the effects of low serotonin levels?
Depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia
Low serotonin can significantly impact emotional well-being.
What is serotonin syndrome?
High serotonin levels from medications or mixing medications
Symptoms can include confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
What is the mnemonic for remembering Serotonin’s function?
“Sara Tones it down” → Serotonin = chill vibes.
What is the primary role of Dopamine?
Motivation, reward, pleasure, focus, attention
Dopamine is crucial for the reward system and motor control.
What happens with too much dopamine?
Psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia)
Excess dopamine can lead to severe mental health issues.
What happens with too little dopamine?
Parkinson’s, low motivation, flat affect
Insufficient dopamine affects movement and emotional states.
Which medications block dopamine?
Antipsychotics like haloperidol/Haldol, risperidone/Risperdal
These medications are used to manage hallucinations.
What is the mnemonic for remembering Dopamine’s function?
“Dope = Drive” → Dopamine = focus + reward.
What is the primary role of Norepinephrine (NE)?
Wake you up, keep you alert, prep you for danger
Norepinephrine is essential for the fight or flight response.
What are the effects of too much norepinephrine?
Anxiety, panic
Excess norepinephrine can lead to heightened stress responses.
What are the effects of too little norepinephrine?
Brain fog, fatigue, low energy
Insufficient norepinephrine can affect alertness and energy levels.
Which medications increase norepinephrine?
SNRIs like duloxetine/Cymbalta or venlafaxine/Effexor
These medications help improve focus and energy.
What is the mnemonic for remembering Norepinephrine’s function?
“No Rest = Norepinephrine” → stays ON like an emergency alarm.
What is the primary role of GABA?
Calm the chaos, shut down stress and overactive thoughts
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.
What happens with too little GABA?
Anxiety, panic, seizures
Low GABA levels can lead to heightened excitability.
What medications boost GABA?
Lorazepam/Ativan, diazepam/Valium, alprazolam/Xanax
These medications are commonly used to treat anxiety.
What is the mnemonic for remembering GABA’s function?
“GABA Grabs the Brakes” → puts the brain in park.
What is the primary role of Glutamate?
Excites the brain, helps with learning + memory
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter.
What happens with too much glutamate?
Seizures, migraines, brain cell damage (neurotoxicity)
Excess glutamate can be harmful to brain health.
What is the mnemonic for remembering Glutamate’s function?
“Gotta GO with Glutamate” → speeds everything up.
