Which term describes drugs that block the actions of neurotransmitters?

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Blocking the actions of neurotransmitters is done by antagonists. These drugs bind to receptor sites without activating them, preventing the natural neurotransmitter from binding or signaling. By occupying the receptor or altering the receptor’s ability to respond, they dampen the physiological effect that would normally follow neurotransmitter release. Antagonists can be competitive, meaning they compete with the transmitter for the same site and can be overcome by higher transmitter levels, or noncompetitive, meaning they bind elsewhere or modify the receptor so signaling is reduced regardless of transmitter amount. This is distinct from agonists, which imitate the neurotransmitter and activate the receptor to produce a response. Aversive conditioning is a behavioral therapy technique, not a pharmacological action on neurotransmitter receptors. Real-world examples include drugs that block opioid receptors or dopamine receptors to decrease receptor activity.