Drugs are categorized as an agonist or an antagonist based on the effect on the postsynaptic neuron. Categorize these real and imagined drugs as either an agonist or an antagonist.
Added by David G.
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- Antagonist: a drug that decreases receptor activation by blocking or inhibiting the receptor (preventing the endogenous ligand from having its effect). Show more…
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A drug that increases the release of a neurotransmitter or enhances the activity of the neurotransmitter's receptor is called an agonist, whereas a drug that inhibits the activity of the neurotransmitter at the synapse is called an antagonist. For example, cocaine can be considered an agonist at the synapse. Not all drugs are the same; that is, different drugs interact with receptors and influence synaptic activity in different ways. Some are more or less effective than others. A drug that generally struggles to bind to a receptor at first but that strongly activates the receptor if it manages to bind to the receptor can be described as follows: this drug has low affinity and high efficacy.
Adi S.
Opiate drugs such as morphine are classified as what? a. Antagonists, because they block neurotransmitter receptors for pain b. Agonists, because they mimic other neurotransmitters' pain-diminishing effects c. Excitatory neurotransmitters, because they activate pain-control mechanisms d. Sympathetic nervous system agents, because they prepare the body for a challenge e. Parasympathetic nervous system agents, because they calm the body
Nicole S.
Describe the difference between drugs that are agonists and those that are antagonists.
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