CNS Stimulants

Primary medical uses of CNS stimulants

Managing ADHD, promoting weight loss, and enhancing mental function.

Most common CNS stimulant used for brain activity (62%)

Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Percentage of cognitive enhancement users who tried Provigil

44%

Percentage of cognitive enhancement users who tried beta-blockers

15% (using Inderal)

Effect of Ritalin, Provigil, and caffeine on expert chess players

Improved chess play in double-blind research studies.

Methylphenidate brand names

Ritalin and Concerta

Methylphenidate mechanism of action

Activates brain stem and cortex arousal centers as a mild CNS stimulant.

Indications for methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), ADHD, and narcolepsy.

Key side effects of methylphenidate

Rapid HR, fever, hypertension, aggression, restlessness, and skin rash.

Amphetamine brand name

Adderall

Amphetamine mechanism of action

Blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.

Indications for amphetamine (Adderall)

ADHD and narcolepsy.

Key risks and side effects of amphetamine

Tachycardia, seizures, hypertension, sudden death, and extreme psychological dependence.

Modafinil brand name

Provigil

Modafinil indications

Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.

Proposed mechanism of modafinil (Provigil)

Impairs dopamine reuptake without blocking norepinephrine.

Side-effect profile and addictiveness of modafinil

Headache, nausea, nervousness, insomnia; well-tolerated and mildly addictive.

Phendimetrazine brand name

Bontril

Phendimetrazine drug class

Sympathomimetic amine that directly stimulates the CNS.

Indication for phendimetrazine (Bontril)

Short-term management of obesity alongside diet and exercise.

Key side effects and abuse potential of phendimetrazine

Irregular heartbeat, tremors, hypertension, hallucinations, insomnia; highly addictive.

Bontril

Sympathomametic amine

bontrill

anorectic or anorexic drug

Modafnil

doesnt block noepinephrine

ADHD and narcolepsy

adderal

ADHD, ADD, and narcolepsy

Ritalin