Which of the following best describes the difference in mechanism of action between methylphenidate and amphetamine?
A) Amphetamine works on dopamine, methylphenidate on norepinephrine.
B) Amphetamine works on norepinephrine, methylphenidate on dopamine.
C) Amphetamine increases the release of dopamine from presynaptic vesicles; methylphenidate slows the dopamine transporter system that removes dopamine from the synaptic cleft.
D) Methylphenidate increases the release of dopamine from presynaptic vesicles; amphetamine slows the dopamine transporter system that removes dopamine from the synaptic cleft.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amphetamine increases the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin from presynaptic vesicles, and also inhibits their reuptake through transporters. Methylphenidate, on the other hand, primarily targets the dopamine transporter system to slow the reuptake of dopamine into presynaptic neurons, leading to increased dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft. Therefore, the main difference in mechanism of action between the two drugs is that amphetamine increases the release of dopamine and other monoamines, whereas methylphenidate primarily inhibits dopamine reuptake. Choice C accurately reflects this difference.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Difference in Mechanism