Methamphetamine's mode of action

[machine_elf]

I was sure that methamphetamine solely affected the adrenal system (and possibly dopamine) but someone was claiming that its main method of action was that it released endorphins. I said that he was getting confused with opiates (as they are all converted into morphine in the brain which binds to endorphin receptors) but he was adamant that methamphetamine also affects endorphins. Could anyone pleaes shed light on the truth of methamphetamine's mode of action for me? Thanks.

[Nicaine]

Ever heard of Google?

I'll add this much: If meth worked solely on the adrenal system, the high would be very unpleasant (jitters, anxiety, panic, fear, fight-or-flight stuff) rather than the much sought-after high that it is. Most of its positive effects come from its HUGE influence on the brain's dopamine level and associated mechanisms, but it may have some effect on endorphins as well... not sure.

P.S. Here's a starting point for ya.

[machine_elf]

Lol, cheers man.

[izzy31]

brief explanation - not the most accurate or comprehensive, but the main idea is there


(meth)amphetamine inhibits dopamine reuptake (as well as delivers an initial stimulation of dopamine referred to as the "rush" or onset) causing the dopamine catcher (the thing that ends a dopamine-feeling) to become inhibited, or impaired, sort of like he's had too many to drive - he's inhibited and unable to do his job which is catching dopamine. so the dopamine is recycled and remaining circulation (proper term would be "flow" i guess). a persons actions feel rewarding (good). it usually requires the person to do things to feel good - and those things are usually fun.

[Benzeneringz]

Methamphetamine causes dopamine and norepinephrine to leak out of their storage vesicles and into the synaptic cleft. To a lesser extent, methamphetamine inhibits the DAT (dopamine transporter) that is responsible for the reuptake of the neurotransmitter back into the axon; simply put, it is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor (but to a lesser extent than methylphenidate or cocaine). Methamphetamine also inhibits monoamine oxadise to a small degree, which prevents the dopamine and norepinephrine from being deactivated in the synapse. These three pharmacological actions cause the dopamine and norepinephrine to remain in the synaptic cleft for much longer than normal, and thus stimulates their respected receptors for a longer period of time than normal. The main euphoric qualities of methamphetamine are believed to be the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell as well as the core. Since endorphins indirectly affect this part of the brain, I can see how one would conclude that methamphetamine releases endorphins. But it's just not true because it is not a ligand for any subtype of opioid receptor (mu, kappa, delta, omega).