L17.Stimulants

Stimulants Overview

• Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system.

Types of Stimulants

• Amphetamines: Includes both legal and illegal uses.

• Legal uses of prescription amphetamines fall under Schedule II drugs.

• Common examples: Cocaine and nicotine.

Legal Uses of Amphetamines

• Used to treat:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome

  • Obesity

  • Narcolepsy

  • Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

  • Depression

  • Side effects of narcotics in terminally ill patients.

Illegal Use and Risks

• Stimulants are often abused to enhance physical performance.

• Illegal use can lead to serious toxicity:

  • Hypertension

  • Cardiac arrhythmia

  • Ischemic stroke

  • Convulsions

  • Coma

• Long-term abuse can lead to addiction.

Mechanism of Action

• No conclusive evidence on how stimulants interact with the nervous system, but it is linked to:

  • Norepinephrine release from receptive neurons.

  • Cocaine effects:

    • Blocks nerve impulse reception.

    • Causes intense vasoconstriction.

• Cocaine results in:

  • General CNS stimulation.

• Nicotine has complex effects:

  • Stimulates both CNS and cardiovascular system.

Effects of Specific Stimulants

• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, ephedrine, and mephentermine):

  • Increase in wakefulness and alertness.

  • Boost in self-confidence and concentration.

  • Reduction in appetite.

• Intravenous use of these drugs can result in:

  • Extreme euphoria.

  • Enhanced mental alertness.

• Cocaine:

  • Used as a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor for surgical procedures involving mucous membranes.

• Nicotine:

  • Main addictive component in tobacco.

Addiction and Abuse Risk

• Stimulants can lead to addiction with high potential for abuse.