Ampakine

Ampakine

Ampakine (pronounced am-pa-keen) is a type of nootropic drug that is designed to enhance attention span and alertness, and facilitate learning and memory. The term is derived from the words "AMPA" (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and "kine", which is a suffix used in pharmacology to denote a drug's action.

Mechanism of Action

Ampakines work by modulating the action of the glutamate receptor AMPA in the brain. They increase the activity of the receptor, which enhances the flow of calcium ions into the neuron. This increased activity can lead to enhanced alertness and improved learning and memory.

Uses

Ampakines have been studied for their potential use in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. They have also been investigated for their potential to improve cognitive function in healthy individuals.

Side Effects

Potential side effects of ampakines can include insomnia, headache, and nausea. More serious side effects can occur at high doses, including anxiety, restlessness, and hallucinations.

Related Terms

• Nootropic: A class of drugs that are used to enhance cognitive function.
• Glutamate: A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in neural activation.
• AMPA receptor: A type of glutamate receptor that is involved in synaptic plasticity, which is thought to play a role in learning and memory.

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.