Brain Chemistry (Neurochemistry)

Dopamine is our arousal and stimulation neurotransmitter. We associate dopamine with rewards as it controls our appetite for sex, eating, pleasure and even creative thinking. Too little dopamine can lead to depression, but too much can lead to dependence... Show More

Endorphins are both hormones and neurotransmitters and they can pack a punch. We have at least 20 different types of endorphins some of which are more powerful than morphine. We tend to release endorphins when we’re under stress or in pain. The higher... Show More

Epinephrine, also known as adrenalin or adrenaline, is a hormone, neurotransmitter, and medication. Epinephrine is normally produced by both the adrenal glands and certain neurons. It plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response by increasing... Show More

Glutamate and GABA can be thought of as mainstay neurotransmitters. They slog away in high concentrations within the brain where one (glutamate) is the throttle and the other (GABA) acts as the brake. Glutamate has an important role in learning and memory,... Show More

Noradrenaline is the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system. We associate this with our fight-or-flight mechanism and moderation of other physical actions such as heart rate and blood pressure. Too little noradrenaline and we become sleepy... Show More

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone and acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing in role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm. When we... Show More

Serotonin is all about serenity and hopefulness in moods. The latest generation of SSRI drugs aim to increase levels of serotonin within the brain. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.