Which neurotransmitter’s reuptake is blocked by cocaine, impacting its reward system?

Cocaine primarily exerts its effects by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward system. When cocaine binds to the dopamine transporter, it prevents dopamine from being reabsorbed back into the presynaptic neuron after it has been released into the synaptic cleft. This leads to an accumulation of dopamine in the synapse, resulting in prolonged stimulation of postsynaptic receptors and an enhanced feeling of pleasure or euphoria.

The impact on the reward system is significant because dopamine plays a crucial role in reinforcing behaviors that are pleasurable, thus driving the cycle of addiction. This action of cocaine is what makes it a potent stimulant and contributes to its addictive properties.

While norepinephrine, serotonin, and GABA are also important neurotransmitters with various functions, their reuptake is not primarily affected by cocaine in a way that significantly alters the reward pathways in the brain like dopamine does.