Central Nervous System Stimulants

WHAT DO CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS DO TO THE BRAIN?

CNS stimulants speed up your brain.

They increase levels of DOPAMINE (the "feel-good" hormone) - a hormone that is released when pleasurable events are experienced. It regulates motor control, and it is involved in movement, memory, motivation, and learning.

They also increase levels of NOREPINEPHRINE (aka noradrenaline), a hormone and neurotransmitter that helps with the body's response to danger. It affects blood vessels and blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and breathing

EFFECTS

- Euphoria

- Improved focus

- Feel like thinking is clear

- Self-confidence/ feeling in control

- Increased energy

- Improved reaction time

- More sociable

- Large pupils

- Dry mouth

- Sweating/ chills

- Jaw clenching

- Fatigue resistant

- Appetite decrease/ weight-loss

- Insomnia/ other sleep problems

- Mood swings/ emotional problems

- Headache

- Memory loss

- Restlessness/ tremors

- Fast heartbeat/ breathing

- Increased blood pressure

- Rise in body temperature

- Irregular heartbeat

- Reduced impulsivity

- Serotonin syndrome

Amphetamine

- Used to treat ADHD, ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity

- Amphetamines:

- Dyanavel XR

- Adderall

-Dexamphetamines (one component of amphetamines that is less potent)

- Dexedrine

- Aderrall (combo)

- Mydayis (combo)

Methamphetamines (more potent version of amphetamines) (meth, crystal, ice):

- Desoxyn

- Amphetamines speed up messages between your brain and your body by increasing the activity of certain neurotrasmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Essentially, they flood your brain with these chemicals.

Methylphenidate

- Used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy

- Ritalin

- Focalin

- Concerta

- Contempla

- Daytrana

- Quillivant

- Methylin

- Also increases dopamine release, however it does so by blocking its reabsorption into the system (reuptake), rather than flooding the brain with it like amphetamines

- Has less "punch" than amphetamines

Dextroamphetamine

- Used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy

- Ritalin

- Focalin

- Concerta

- Contempla

- Daytrana

- Quillivant

- Methylin

- Also increases dopamine release, however it does so by blocking its reabsorption into the system (reuptake), rather than flooding the brain with it like amphetamines

- Has less "punch" than amphetamines

Lisdexamfetamine

- Used to treat ADHD and binge-eating disorder

- Vyvanse

-Elvanse

- Lisdexamfetamine is coverted into dexamphetamine in the brain

Withdrawal Symptoms

- Craving

- Exhaustion

- Depression

- Mental confusion

- Restlessness and insomnia

- Deep or disturbed sleep lasting up to 48 hours

- Extreme hunger

- Psychotic reaction

- Anxiety reactions

Other Types of Stimulants

- Caffeine

- Cocaine

- MDMA (refer to hallucinogens)

- Betel nut

- Khat

Overdose Symptoms

CARDIOVASCULAR SYMPTOMS
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

- Hypertension (high blood pressure)

- Chest pain

- Possible heart attack/ stroke

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

- Hyperventilation/ difficulty breathing

GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS
- Nausea and vomiting

- Abdominal cramps

OTHER SYMPTOMS

-Restlessness

- Tremor

- Hyperreflexia (increased muscle reflex response), - Confusion

- Hallucinations

- Panic states

- Hyperpyrexia (very high fever)

Health Risks

- Agitation/ inability to concentrate

- Increases risk of stroke

- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

-Tachycardia and palpitations are common at high doses

- Vulnerable individuals may experience hypertension, which can lead to heart attacks

- High doses can cause overheating which can be dangerous for certain individuals or in certain environments

- Tooth rot and loss of teeth can occur do to long term amphetamine use

- Long term use may lead to noticeable neurological and behavioral problems.

WARNINGS

- Do not take if you're using or have used a MAO inhibitor in the past 2 weeks

- Regular use can lead to dependence