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Stimulants are Drugs that temporarily increase alertness and wakefulness. They usually have increased side-effects with increased effectiveness, and the more powerful variants are therefore often Prescription Medicines or illegal drugs. FUNCTION Stimulants increase the activity of the either Sympathetic Nervous System , the Central Nervous System ( CNS ) or both. Some stimulants produce a sense of Euphoria , in particular the stimulants which exert influence on the CNS . 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 ). Occasionally, they are also used to treat depression. Stimulants are sometimes abused to boost endurance and productivity as well as to Suppress Appetite . 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. Examples of other well known stimulants include Ephedrine , Amphetamine s, Cocaine , Methylphenidate , MDMA , and Modafinil . Stimulants are commonly referred in slang as "uppers". Stimulants with significant abuse potential are mostly 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.g. Methcathinone ). PHENETHYLAMINES Phenethylamine is an Alkaloid and Monoamine and believed to be a Neuromodulator or Neurotransmitter . Furthermore it is the basic chemical structure behind most stimulants, especially Sympathomimetic Amine s. Common phenethylamines include:
Also see PIHKAL for more on designer phenethylamines Amphetamines 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. Like NDRI s, 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 Catecholamine s 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 {Link without Title} . 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 . Dextrorotary Methamphetamine is occasionally used in the treatment of AD(H)D that does not respond sufficiently to traditional Amphetamine s. On occasion, Major Depression is treated with Amphetamine s as well. Amphetamine s can be used as an add-on to antidepressant therapy as well, with some success in certain populations. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine See Also: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a drug that comes either in tablet or capsule form (known as {Link without Title} . 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 . It is also being evaluated for possible usages in palliative care {Link without Title} . 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. Many of these compounds are effective ADHD medications and Antidepressants . The most popular and well-known dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant is Bupropion (Wellbutrin). Other examples of NDRIs include MDPV , Ciclazindol , Pyrovalerone , Mazindol , Pipradrol , and Amfonelic Acid . 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. Many NDRIs are also phenethylamines. COCAINE See Also: 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 . 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 . Most cocaine use is recreational and its abuse potential is high, and so its sale and possession are strictly controlled in most jurisdictions. |
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