NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate):

NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) is an amino acid, found throughout the central nervous system (CNS), which gets activated when the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, binds to it receptors.

• NMDA receptors have specialized functions involving learning, memory formation, synaptic plasticity. An excess of glutamate is also linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. (NMDA receptors are also the target of illicit ketamine). NMDA receptor modulators are potential treatments for depression and schizophrenia.
• NMDA receptor antagonists: A class of drugs that “antagonize” or prevent the brain from an overload of glutamate—make it harder for glutamate to bind onto NMDA receptors. These drugs (including ketamine) are used as anesthetics for humans and animals by creating a dissociative state. NMDA receptor antagonists make it harder for glutamate to bind, helping to slow down Alzheimer’s progression.