Answer to Question #252847 in General Chemistry for Vanex

Question

I recently saw a comic where this rich guy literally smokes depression, like in a cigar. He said that the relief felt after it wore off was better than any high out there. While I don't ever plan on doing drugs recreationally, I am interested to know if anything like that would even be possible. So, does anyone know if there is something out there, Drug, Chemical, whatever that causes negative emotions such as Depression, Fear, Anxiety, and so on, that would also be safe to ingest? PS. I'm still pretty new to chemistry, so please forgive my ignorance.

Answer 1

The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are specifically believed to be linked to mood and anxiety disorders. 1 These neurotransmitters are in charge of regulating various bodily and mental functions.

Several medications are known to cause substance/medication-induced anxiety including:

• Anesthetics.
• Analgesics.
• Sympathomimetics.
• Anticholinergics.
• Thyroid medications.
• Antihistamines.
• Antiparkinsonians.
• Corticosteroids.