AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Which of the following ways does cocaine increase levels of dopamine in the synaptic cleft? by blocking the dopamine membrane transporter.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mechanism of Action Topical cocaine has an anesthetic effect similar to local anesthetics (such as lidocaine) from sodium channel blockade and interference with action potential propagation. This Vaughn-Williams class IC effect also increases the risk of conduction disturbance and tachyarrhythmias.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cocaine is a local anesthetic indicated for the introduction of local (topical) anesthesia of accessible mucous membranes of the oral, laryngeal and nasal cavities. Cocaine produces anesthesia by inhibiting excitation of nerve endings or by blocking conduction in peripheral nerves.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cocaine blocks the transporters for dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, causing increases in extracellular levels of these neurotransmitters.