How does cocaine affect the brain? Question 35 options: Cocaine blocks the presynaptic dopamine transporter, thus increasing the availability of dopamine in the synapse and increasing the activation of the receiving cells. Cocaine increases the amount of dopamine released in the brain reward system and mimics the effects of endogenous endorphins. Cocaine disrupts the delicate balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Cocaine suppresses the release of glutamate which in turn changes the pace of neural transmission in the brain