Stimulant drugs are drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness. A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body They usually have increased side-effects with increased effectiveness, and the more powerful variants are therefore often prescription medicines or illegal drugs. A prescription (℞ is a health-care program implemented by a Physician or other medical practitioner in the form of instructions that govern the plan of care for an individual
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Function
Stimulants increase the activity of either the sympathetic nervous system, the central nervous system (CNS) or both. The Sympathetic Nervous System ( SNS) is a branch of the Autonomic nervous system along with the Enteric nervous system and Parasympathetic nervous In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. Some stimulants produce a sense of euphoria, in particular the stimulants which exert influence on the CNS. Euphoria is a medically recognized emotional state related to Pleasure and Happiness. In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. Stimulants are used therapeutically to increase or maintain alertness, to counteract fatigue in situations where sleep is not practical (e. g. while operating vehicles), to counteract abnormal states that diminish alertness consciousness (such as in narcolepsy), to promote weight loss (phentermine) as well as to enhance the ability to concentrate in people diagnosed with attentional disruptions (especially ADHD). Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate Phentermine, a contraction for " '''phen'''yl - '''ter'''tiary-butyl[[amine a' mine' ]]" is an Appetite suppressant of the Amphetamine Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population Occasionally, they are also used to treat depression. Stimulants are sometimes used to boost endurance and productivity as well as to suppress appetite, therefore also known to promote eating disorders such as anorexia if abused. Note "Anorectic" is also a term for an anorexic person a person suffering from Anorexia nervosa Anorectics, anorexigenics The euphoria produced by some stimulants leads to their recreational use, although this is illegal in the majority of jurisdictions.
Caffeine, found in beverages such as coffee and soft drinks, as well as nicotine, which is found in tobacco, are among some of the world's most commonly used stimulants. Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic CoFFEE is an Open source Software for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL in a digital classroom Soft drink is a beverage that does not contain Alcohol. Carbonated soft drinks are commonly known as soda soda pop pop, or Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0 Tobacco is an Agricultural product recognized as an addictive drug processed from the fresh Leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana.
Examples of other well known stimulants include ephedrine, amphetamines, cocaine, methylphenidate, MDMA, and modafinil. Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Cocaine ( benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is a Crystalline Tropane Alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the Coca plant MDMA ( 34-methylenedioxy- N -methylamphetamine) most commonly known today by the street name Ecstasy (often abbreviated E, X, Modafinil ( Provigil) is a stimulant-like drug manufactured by Cephalon, and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Narcolepsy Stimulants are commonly referred in slang as "uppers".
Stimulants with significant abuse potential are very carefully controlled substances in America and most other jurisdictions. Some may be legally available only by prescription (e. g. methamphetamine, brand name Desoxyn, mixed amphetamine salts, brand name Adderall, dexamphetamine, brand name Dexedrine) or not at all (e. Desoxyn is a brand of Methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as desoxyephedrine hence the name "Desoxyn" indicated for treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Adderall is a brand-name pharmaceutical Psychostimulant composed of mixed Amphetamine salts, the actions of which are Sympathomimetic Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite g. methcathinone). Methcathinone ( 2-(methylamino-propiophenone, α-methylamino-propiophenone) is a Psychoactive Stimulant.
Amphetamine
Amphetamines (prescribed as either racemic amphetamine or dextroamphetamine) increase the heart and respiration rates, increase blood pressure and in some users, dilate the pupils of the eyes and decrease appetite. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite Like NDRIs, amphetamine increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain via reuptake inhibition; however, the more important mechanism by which amphetamines cause stimulation is through the direct release of these catecholamines from storage vesicles in cells. Amphetamines are known to cause elevated mood and euphoria as well as rebound depression and anxiety. Other possible effects include blurred vision, insomnia, and dizziness.
Amphetamines are sometimes prescribed therapeutically by physicians and their availability makes them prime candidates for misuse [1]. Used properly, amphetamines increase alertness, concentration and physical endurance. They are often prescribed to counter the effects of narcolepsy, a disorder marked by episodes of uncontrollable sleep, and to help patients with learning disabilities such as ADD and ADHD. Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population Dextrorotary methamphetamine is occasionally used in the treatment of AD(H)D that does not respond sufficiently to traditional amphetamines. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine On occasion, major depression is treated with amphetamines as well. Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Amphetamines can be used as an add-on to antidepressant therapy as well, with some success in certain populations. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a drug that comes either in tablet or capsule form (known as ecstasy, zoom, scrap), as a powder or crystal. MDMA ( 34-methylenedioxy- N -methylamphetamine) most commonly known today by the street name Ecstasy (often abbreviated E, X, MDMA ( 34-methylenedioxy- N -methylamphetamine) most commonly known today by the street name Ecstasy (often abbreviated E, X, Stimulant effects of MDMA include increased blood pressure and heart rate, loss of appetite, rapid sweating, and a dry mouth and throat. Ecstasy pills often contain amounts of other drugs which may include any of a wide range of substances such as MDA, MDEA, MBDB, PCP, DXM, Ketamine, Caffeine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Aspirin, Paracetamol, and, in a small number of cases, PMA [2], Cocaine [3], Fentanyl [4], mCPP, BZP+TFMPP, DOB [5], and 2C-B [6]. 34-Methylenedioxyamphetamine ( MDA or Tenamfetamine) is a Psychedelic hallucinogenic drug and empathogen/entactogen of the MDEA (also MDE) which stands for 34-methylenedioxy- N -ethylamphetamine is a Psychedelic hallucinogenic drug and Empathogen-entactogen MBDB, or 34-methylenedioxy-alpha- Ethyl - N - Methyl[[phenethylamine]], is a lesser-known hallucinogenic Phenethylamine Phencyclidine (a complex clip of the chemical name phenylcyclohexylpiperidine, commonly initialised as PCP) is a Dissociative drug Dextromethorphan ( DXM or DM) is an Antitussive (cough suppressant drug found in many over-the-counter cold and Cough medicines Ketamine is a drug for use in human and veterinary medicine developed by Parke-Davis (today a part of Pfizer) in 1962 Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA (əˌsɛtɨlsælɨˌsɪlɨk ˈæsɨd is a Salicylate drug, often used as an Analgesic to relieve Paracetamol ( INN) (ˌpærəˈsiːtəmɒl -ˈsɛtə- or acetaminophen ( USAN) is a widely-used Analgesic and Antipyretic Medication PMA ( para Methoxy[[amphetamine]], p-methoxyamphetamine' or 4-methoxyamphetamine) is a synthetic Phenethylamine Cocaine ( benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is a Crystalline Tropane Alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the Coca plant Fentanyl is one of the most powerful Opioid Analgesics with a potency approximately 81 times that of Morphine. Benzylpiperazine (with trade names such as "A2" "Frenzy" and "Nemesis" commonly referred to as BZP) is a Recreational drug with 3-Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (or simply TFMPP) is a Piperazine -based drug DOB, also known as Brolamfetamine and Bromo-DMA, is a Psychedelic hallucinogenic drug and a Substituted amphetamine of the 2C-B or 4-bromo-25-dimethoxyphenethylamine is a psychedelic drug of the 2C family, an entactogen. In some cases the substance sold as ecstasy may not contain MDMA at all.
MDMA was historically used in a therapeutic setting by a small number of psychiatrists for marriage counseling, before it was outlawed by the DEA because of its widespread recreational use. As of 2001, it is being considered by the FDA in the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder. Post traumatic stress disorder It is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to It is also being evaluated for possible usages in palliative care [7].
Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
These compounds inhibit the uptake of the monoamines dopamine and norepinephrine into storage vesicles, effectively increasing their amounts in the brain and causing a stimulating effect. A Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor is a class of drugs that is both Dopamine reuptake inhibitor Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Many of these compounds are effective ADHD medications and antidepressants. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population An antidepressant is a Psychiatric medication used for alleviating major depression or Dysthymia ('milder' depression The most popular and well-known dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant is bupropion (Wellbutrin). Bupropion ( INN, previously known as amfebutamone; sold as Wellbutrin, Zyban, and several other Trade names is an atypical Antidepressant Other examples of NDRIs include MDPV, pyrovalerone, mazindol and pipradrol. Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV or MDPK, is a stimulant drug which acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, reportedly Pyrovalerone (Centroton Thymergix is a Stimulant drug developed in the late 1960s and used in France and some other European countries Mazindol is a Central nervous system Stimulant. It is a tricyclic compound (not to be confused with Tricyclic antidepressants) Pipradrol (Meretran is a mild central nervous system Stimulant that is no longer widely used in most countries due to concerns about its abuse potential although this Although these medicines have similar methods of action to stimulants, they are less popular for abuse (thus not scheduled) and have an extended release mechanism or a very long half life. The Controlled Substances Act ( CSA) was enacted into law by the Congress of the United States as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Many NDRIs are also phenethylamines.
Cocaine
Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca shrub, which grows in the mountain regions of South American countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Cocaine ( benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is a Crystalline Tropane Alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the Coca plant Not to be confused with Cocoa. Coca is a Plant in the family Erythroxylaceae, native to north-western South America The Republic of Bolivia (República de Bolivia) named after Simón Bolívar, is a Landlocked country in central South America. Colombia (kəˈlʌmbɪə officially the Republic of Colombia () is a country in northwestern South America. Peru (Perú Piruw Piruw officially the Republic of Peru ( reˈpuβlika del peˈɾu is a country in western South America. In Europe and North America, the most common form of cocaine is a white crystalline powder. Cocaine is a stimulant but is not normally prescribed therapeutically for its stimulant properties, although it sees clinical use as a local anesthetic, particularly in ophthalmology. Ophthalmology is the branch of Medicine which deals with the diseases and surgery of the visual pathways including the Eye, Brain Most cocaine use is recreational and its abuse potential is high, and so its sale and possession are strictly controlled in most jurisdictions. Other tropane derivative drugs related to cocaine are also known such as troparil and lometopane but have not been widely sold or used recreationally. Tropane is a Nitrogenous Bicyclic Organic compound. It is mainly known for a group of Alkaloids derived from it (called Tropane alkaloids
Caffeine
Caffeine is a drug that is found naturally in coffee, tea, and to a small extent cocoa. Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic CoFFEE is an Open source Software for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL in a digital classroom Tea refers to the cured agricultural product of the leaves leaf buds and internodes of Camellia sinensis, which have been prepared and cured for the market Cocoa is the dried and fully fermented fatty seed of the cacao tree from which Chocolate is made It is also found in many soft drinks, particularly energy drinks. Soft drink is a beverage that does not contain Alcohol. Carbonated soft drinks are commonly known as soda soda pop pop, or Energy drinks are Soft drinks advertised as providing more Energy than a typical drink Caffeine stimulates the body, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and alertness, making some people feel better and able to concentrate. Measuring heart rate The Pulse rate (which in most people is identical to the heart rate can be measured at any point on the body where an Artery 's pulsation Blood pressure is also the title of a short story by Damon Runyan in Guys and Dolls and Other Stories Caffeine is also a diuretic. A diuretic is any Drug that elevates the rate of urination ( Diuresis) The vast majority (over 80%) of people in the United States consume caffeine on a daily basis. As a result, few jurisdictions restrict its sale and use.
Caffeine is also sold in some countries as an isolated drug (as opposed to its natural occurrence in many foods). It serves as a mild stimulant to ward off sleepiness and sees wide use among people who must remain alert in their work (e. g. , truck drivers, military members). Some medications contain caffeine as one of their minor active ingredients, often for the purpose of enhancing the effect of the main ingredient or reducing one of its side effects.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae), predominantly in tobacco, and in lower quantities in tomato, potato, eggplant (aubergine), and green pepper. Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0 Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0 This article is about the chemical compounds alkaloids For the Pharmaceutical company in the Republic of Macedonia see Alkaloid (company. The Solanaceae is a family of Flowering plants that contains a number of important agricultural plants as well as many toxic plants Nicotine alkaloids are also found in the leaves of the coca plant. Nicotine constitutes 0. 3 to 5% of the tobacco plant by dry weight, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots, and accumulates in the leaves. It is a potent nerve poison and is included in many insecticides. The primary therapeutic use of nicotine is in treating nicotine dependence in order to eliminate smoking with its risks to health.
In very low concentrations, nicotine acts as a stimulant, and it is one of the main factors responsible for the dependence-forming properties of tobacco smoking. Although pure nicotine is noncarcinogenic, its presence may inhibit the body's ability to cull aberrant cells [8].
Ampakines
Recently, there have been improvements in the area of stimulant pharmacology, producing a class of chemicals known as ampakines, or eugeroics, (good arousal). Ampakines are a new class of compounds known to enhance attention span and alertness and facilitate learning and memory Ampakines are a new class of compounds known to enhance attention span and alertness and facilitate learning and memory These stimulants tend to increase alertness without the peripheral (body) effects or addiction/tolerance/abuse potential of the traditional stimulants. They have minimal effect on sleep structure, and do not cause rebound hypersomnolence or "come down" effects. Currently, there are two stimulants in this class being used: modafinil and adrafinil, marketed as Provigil and Olmifon, respectively. Modafinil ( Provigil) is a stimulant-like drug manufactured by Cephalon, and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Narcolepsy Adrafinil is a mild Central nervous system Stimulant drug used to relieve excessive Sleepiness and inattention in Elderly patients Modafinil and adrafinil also have some amphetamine like actions, in terms that they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, but they also have another mode of action as GABA antagonists. Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA is the chief inhibitory Neurotransmitter in the Mammalian Central nervous system. Newer ampakines such as ampalex and CX717 have been developed but are still in clinical trials and have not yet been sold commercially. CX-516 is an Ampakine compound that works as an AMPA modulator and is being developed by a collaboration of Cortex and Shire and Servier CX717 is an Ampakine compound created by Christopher Marrs and Gary Rogers in 1996 at Cortex Pharmaceuticals. Another compound with similar effects to these drugs is carphedon, which is sold as a general stimulant in Russia under the brand name Phenotropil. Carphedon ( C 12 H 14 N 2 O 2 2-(4-phenyl-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-ylacetamide) is a derivative
See also
External links
- Long Island Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence - About Drugs - Stimulants
- Online - Publications - Drugs of Abuse - Stimulants
- Asia & Pacific Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Information Centre (APAIC)
Dictionary
stimulant
-noun
- A substance that acts to increase physiological or nervous activity in the body.
- Something that promotes activity, interest, or enthusiasm.
-adjective
- Acting as a stimulant.
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