Amphetamines and cocaine are similar because both block dopamine reuptake, but amphetamines also stimulate dopamine release.

Comparison of Amphetamine and Cocaine Mechanisms of Action

The illustration shows cocaine attached to a channel on the presynaptic cell, with an X indicating that the bound cocaine does not enter that cell. Dopamine molecules are shown in the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells, and only dopamine is shown binding to the postsynaptic cell's receptors.

Visual Example of Cocaine and Dopamine at a Synapse

Cocaine acts as an agonist in the dopamine neurotransmitter system by blocking dopamine reuptake at the neuronal synapse.

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Cocaine is a stimulant drug that carries a high potential for abuse. As a stimulant, it affects the dopamine neurotransmitter system.

Cocaine

An agonist is a type of drug that facilitates and enhances the activity of a particular neurotransmitter system.

Agonist (Drug Action)

Reuptake is a specific mechanism for clearing the synapse where excess neurotransmitters are pumped back into the presynaptic neuron that originally released them. By returning neurotransmitters to fill synaptic vesicles, this process signals to the cell that no additional neurotransmitters need to be manufactured, thereby helping to regulate overall neurotransmitter production.

Reuptake

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Cocaine can be administered through several common routes. These include snorting the substance, injecting it intravenously, or inhaling it through smoking.

Methods of Cocaine Administration

Crack is a potent, smokable, freebase version of cocaine.

Crack Cocaine

Cocaine's Mechanism of Action

A drug is known to be a stimulant that primarily acts on the dopamine neurotransmitter system. Which of the following best analyzes the expected psychological and physiological effects resulting from this mechanism?

As a result of drug tolerance, some users of amphetamine would take large doses to experience a "high". From this, these users would develop symptoms of paranoia (auditory hallucinations, bizarre motor behavior, etc), which closely resembled schizophrenic symptoms.

Not only that, but amphetamine worsens symptoms of schizophrenia. Amphetamine is found to promote the release of dopamine and prolong the action of the released transmitter by blocking reuptake.

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