Types of Neurotransmitters Commonly, they are classified into three categories amino acids, monoamines and peptides.

. Neurotransmitters like glutamate, aspartate, glycine, serine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) fall into the category of amino acids. On the other hand, dopamine neurotransmitter, serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine are the monoamine neurotransmitters. Calcitonin, glucagon, vasopressin, oxytocin and betaendorphin are some of the neuroactive peptides. There are about 50 neuroactive peptides till now, with new ones being discovered regularly. Apart from these, acetylcholine, adenosine and nitric oxide are some other noteworthy neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters in the Human Body Acetylcholine It is the first neurotransmitter to be discovered in the year 1921. This neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscles. It activates the motor neurons that control the skeletal muscles. It is also concerned with regulating the activities in certain areas of the brain, which are associated with attention, arousal, learning and memory. People with Alzheimers disease are usually found to have a substantially low level of acetylcholine. Dopamine Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that controls voluntary movements of the body and is associated with the reward mechanism of the brain. In other words, dopamine regulates the pleasurable emotions, and drugs like cocaine, heroin, nicotine, opium, and even alcohol increase the level of this neurotransmitter, for which the user of such drugs feel good. Decreased level of dopamine is associated with Parkinsons disease, while the patients of schizophrenia are usually found to have excess dopamine in the frontal lobes of the brain. Serotonin Serotonin is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, which has been found to have a significant effect on emotion, mood, and anxiety. It is also involved in regulating sleep, wakefulness and eating. A significantly low serotonin level is found to be associated with conditions like depression, suicidal thoughts and obsessive compulsive disorder. Many antidepressant drugs work by affecting the level of this neurotransmitter. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down neuron activity in order to prevent their over excitation, which could lead to anxiety. GABA is a non-essential amino acid, which is produced by the body from glutamic acid. A low level of GABA can have association with anxiety disorders. Alcohol and drugs like barbiturates can influence GABA receptors. Glutamate Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter. It is the most commonly found neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamate is mainly related with functions like learning and memory. An excess of glutamate is however toxic for the neurons. An excessive glutamate production may be related with the disease, known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrigs disease. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine Epinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is derived from norepinephrine. Epinephrine controls mental focus and attention. Norepinephrine is also an excitatory neurotransmitter and it regulates mood and both physical and mental arousal. Increased secretion of norepinephrine raises heart rate and blood pressure. Endorphins Endorphins are the neurotransmitter that resembles the opioid compounds like opium, morphine, and heroin in structure. In fact, their effect on the body is also similar to the effect produced by the opioid compounds. Like opioids, endorphins can reduce pain, stress and promote calmness and serenity. These are the neurotransmitters that enable some animals to hibernate by slowing down metabolism, respiration and heart rate.