Chemstick

A **Chemstick** is a personal use device that dispenses synthetic forms of essential neurotransmitters that interact with neuroreceptors in the brain. This allows an individual to fine tune their consciousness with the same degree that an artist might paint a painting. This technoogy was engineered from the first electronic cigarettes appearing during the Foundation Period.

A single Chemstick is refillable in an incredible variety of cartridges produced by a wide variety of industries both large and small. Individual spacers and grounders alike are known to manufacture their own custom blends as a hobby and trade them amongst other enthusiasts. A tiny minority of spacers may offer them for sale alongside a regular inventory of products.

The use of Chemsticks is strictly regulated within Consortium space and less than a tenth of a percent of the Consortium's population use them.

## Neurotransmitters

* Amino acids: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartate, glutamate, glycine, D-serine
* Gases: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO)
* Monoamines: dopamine, epinephrine, histamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
* Peptides: β-endorphin, amphetamines, somatostatin, enkephalin
* Purines: adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
* Trace amines: octopamine, phenethylamine, trypramine
* Other molecules: acetylcholine, anandamide
* Single ions: zinc
* Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in humans, used by about half of the neurons in the human brain. It is the primary excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system. One of its functions is to help form memories. Interestingly, glutamate is toxic to neurons. Brain damage or a stroke can lead to an excess of glutamate, killing neurons.
* GABA is the primary inhibitory transmitter in the vertebrate brain. It helps to control anxiety. GABA deficiency may result in seizures.
* Glycine is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate spinal cord.
* Acetylcholine stimulates muscles, functions in the autonomic nervous system and sensory neurons, and is associated with REM sleep. Many poisons act by blocking acetylcholine receptors. Examples include botulin, curare, and hemlock. Alzheimer's disease is associated with a significant drop in acetylcholine levels.
* Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) increases heart rate and blood pressure. It is part of the body's "fight or flight" system. Norepinephrine is also needed to form memories. Stress depletes stores of this neurotransmitter.
* Dopamine is an inhibitory transmitter associated with the reward center of the brain. Low dopamine levels are associated with social anxiety and Parkinson's disease, while excess dopamine is related to schizophrenia.
* Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion, and perception. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, anger management issues, difficulty sleeping, migraines, and an increased craving for carbohydrates. The body can synthesize serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in foods such as warm milk and turkey.
* Endorphins are a class of molecules similar to opioids (e.g., morphine, heroin) in terms of structure and function. The word "endorphin" is short for "endogenous morphine." Endorphins are inhibitory transmitters associated with pleasure and pain relief. In other animals, these chemicals slow metabolism and permit hibernation.

## External links

https://www.thoughtco.com/neurotransmitters-definition-and-list-4151711