Effect of Drugs on the Brain
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 1.5.15
Effects of Drugs on the Brain
Some drugs can have an effect on synaptic transmissions in the body, including L-Dopa and MDMA.
L-Dopa
- L-Dopa (Levodopa) is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease results from a loss of neurons that produce dopamine.
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in the coordination of movement.
- Increasing dopamine levels by giving patients L-Dopa can help to alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
MDMA
- MDMA is an amphetamine found in ecstasy, a class A drug.
- MDMA works by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters, including serotonin.
- By binding to serotonin receptor sites, MDMA stops serotonin from being absorbed properly, so more serotonin is released.
- MDMA can give someone a sense of euphoria as a result of excessive serotonin release, but this results in a feeling of a comedown several hours after taking MDMA.
Test yourself on Effect of Drugs on the Brain
Which of the following statements about MDMA is true?
Which of these statements about the neurotransmitter dopamine is true?