Your source for integrative health and wellness.
FeelGoodNow.com is currently in early beta. Our site will be growing and changing frequently. We welcome your feedback or ideas .

CNS stimulants

  Bookmark and Share

 

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, also called psychomotor stimulants or uppers, are a class of drugs that speed up physical and mental processes. They temporarily make patients feel more alert and improve mood.

Stimulants are typically used to treat medical conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention-deficit disorder (ADD), fatigue, and narcolepsy. Some stimulants have been used as appetite suppressants, although the safety of this use remains controversial.

Examples of CNS stimulants include amphetamines, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), methamphetamine (e.g. Desoxyn® or Desoxyn Gradumet®), caffeine (e.g. coffee or tea), nicotine (cigarettes or cigars), and the illegal drug cocaine.

Side effects of stimulants vary depending on the specific dose and type of drug. In general, side effects of short-term use may include anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, depersonalization, feeling of euphoria, increased heartbeat, crying, dysphoria, decreased appetite, hyperventilation, irritability, depression, nervousness, paranoia, mood swings, restlessness, and shaking or trembling.

Most CNS stimulants are highly addictive. However, some newer drugs, such as modafinil (Provigil®) are less addictive.

Because stimulants are highly addictive and have euphoric effects on the brain, they are often abused and taken as recreational drugs. Long-term abuse of stimulants can cause changes in the brain and lead to serious health problems, including severe mental illness and memory loss.

Related Terms

ADHD, amphetamines, analeptic stimulants, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, caffeine, central nervous system, CNS, methylphenidate, methylxanthines, nicotine, stimulant, stimulant abuse, stimulants.

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Natural Standard's methodology , editorial board , and grading scales.

Featured Professional

A Better Health Solution

Acupuncture

614 Wymore Rd

Winter Park FL 32789

6784372

Map

FIND A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Search thousands of qualified integrative health professionals.