What type of drugs replicate dopamine in the brain to elevate its levels?

Dopamine agonists are drugs that mimic the action of dopamine in the brain by binding to dopamine receptors and activating them. This results in an increase in the dopaminergic signaling pathways, which can lead to elevated levels of dopamine activity in the brain. This mechanism is particularly useful in diseases like Parkinson's, where there is a significant loss of dopamine-producing neurons. By stimulating dopamine receptors, these agents can alleviate some of the motor symptoms associated with dopamine deficiency.

On the other hand, dopamine antagonists block dopamine receptors, which can decrease dopamine activity and are often used in the treatment of conditions like schizophrenia. Reuptake inhibitors typically refer to drugs that prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters like serotonin or norepinephrine, and they do not directly replicate dopamine. MAO-B inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase B, which breaks down dopamine. While these can increase dopamine levels by reducing its degradation, they do not directly replicate dopamine's action in the way agonists do.