monoaminebased

Monoaminebased refers to substances or mechanisms that rely on or involve monoamines. Monoamines are a class of neurotransmitters and hormones that share a common molecular structure, characterized by an amine group (-NH2) attached to an alkyl chain, which is connected to an aromatic ring. This structural feature is central to their biological function.

Key examples of monoamines include dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), serotonin, and histamine. These compounds play crucial roles in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, regulating a wide range of physiological and psychological processes. These include mood, attention, motivation, sleep, appetite, and the body's "fight-or-flight" response.

Monoaminebased drugs, such as antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs) and stimulants (e.g., amphetamines), often target the synthesis, release, reuptake, or degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters. By modulating monoamine levels or activity in the brain, these medications aim to correct imbalances associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, Parkinson's disease, and ADHD. Research into monoaminebased systems continues to be a significant area of study in neuroscience and pharmacology, seeking to understand their complex roles and develop more effective therapeutic interventions.