NIDA

Effects of Drugs on the Central Nervous System (CNS)



Effects of Drugs on the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Drugs bind to receptor sites on the outer membranes of cells. Like a key that must fit a lock, the drug molecule has to fit a receptor; otherwise it has no effect. If it fits, then the drug can interfere with transmissions between neurons in one of two ways: Some drugs cause neurons to fire again and again. Other dugs stop neurons from firing. These drugs block receptors in the brain and prevent neurons from sending their message.

There are alot of distinct pharmaceuticals, ...