Posted by cumulative on November 13, 2007, at 16:21:34
In reply to Why aren't stimulants considered dopamine agonists, posted by clipper40 on November 13, 2007, at 3:24:10
It's just accepted nomenclature. Agonists in this connection typically refer to something that stimulates the receptor end -- dopamine agonists stimulate the activity of dopamine receptors. Stimulants work differently -- methylphenidate, for instance, blocks the reuptake of available dopamine, and amphetamine forces its release.
poster:cumulative
thread:794756
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071104/msgs/794887.html