Cocaine interferes with neural transmission across the synapse by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Normally, after a neurotransmitter is released from one neuron and binds to receptors on a neighboring neuron, it is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron through a process called reuptake. Cocaine blocks the reuptake transporters for dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, preventing the normal reabsorption of these neurotransmitters. This leads to an accumulation of these neurotransmitters in the synapse, causing prolonged and heightened activation of the postsynaptic neuron. This in turn results in the pleasurable effects associated with cocaine use, as well as potential negative effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of addiction.
