Describe how methyl phenidate (which has a similar mechanism of action to cocaine) alters dopamine neurotransmitter.

• Gregory
• December 21, 2021

Dopamine neurotransmitter

You have seen in Topic 4 how psycho stimulant drugs alter dopamine neurotransmission.

• Describe how methyl phenidate (which has a similar mechanism of action to cocaine) alters dopamine neurotransmitter.
• Methyl phenidate and cocaine both block the dopamine transporter, preventing dopamine from being taken back into the synaptic neuron. This means that dopamine stays in the synapse longer, increasing chances of binding to receptors.