Drugs and the Brain

Scientific American Library Series #18

by Solomon H. Snyder

Looks at the workings of the brain and the nervous system, discusses opiates, stimulants, and hallucinogens, and explains how drugs are used to treat depression, schizophrenia, and brain disorders

Genres: Science, Psychology, Drugs, Biology

228 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 1986

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the techniques neuroscientists and pharmacologists use to study the effects of drugs on the brain. More interesting is the use of drugs to learn more about the way the brain functions- the molecular causes of happiness, anxiety, and even consciousness can be explored using psychoactive substances.

[Graham Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful book . Read it.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brain contains Raphe nuclei, which forms a network of cells throughout a centralized region across the Neo Cortex. The Raphe nuclei are the most dense serotinergic cells throughout the brain and are described as decreasing the release of serotonin. They can also release serotonin. LSD stops the Raphe cells from firing, and is known for being a more dopaminergic substance. As the LSD molecule in and of itself resembles serotonin, it binds to similarly shaped receptors as much as it could and increases the amount of indolalkylamines in the brain through that alone.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and concise introduction on how the brain works and how psycho-pharmacology has shapes, distorts, or helps us realize the world in which inhabit. Easy to follow and understand, even for a layman.