Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the fight or flight response?

Prepare for the Advanced Pharmacology – Psychopharmacology exam. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations for each question. Enhance your understanding and ace your test!

The neurotransmitter primarily associated with the fight or flight response is norepinephrine. This response is a crucial part of the body's sympathetic nervous system, which prepares an individual to react to perceived threats or emergencies. When faced with a stressful situation, norepinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerve endings, leading to various physiological changes such as increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and mobilization of energy stores. This cascade of effects prepares the body to either confront the threat or flee from it, hence the term "fight or flight."

In contrast, dopamine is primarily involved in reward, motivation, and the regulation of mood and movement. Serotonin plays a significant role in mood stabilization, emotional regulation, and contributing to feelings of well-being and happiness. GABA acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to regulate anxiety and promote relaxation. While all these neurotransmitters have their vital functions in the body, they are not directly involved in the acute stress response as norepinephrine is.

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