Central nervous

system stimulants
CNS Stimulants

Vocabulary
1) Agent - a substance that causes a reaction
2) Sympathomimetic drugs - stimulant compounds
which mimic the effects of agonists of the sympathetic
nervous system

What are the CNS stimulants?

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are
agents that increase physical activity, mental
alertness and attention span.
Central nervous system stimulants are used to
treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and narcolepsy.

CNS stimulants can be:

Prescribed by a doctor
Over-the-counter
(OTC)
In small doses such as
in chocolate and
coffee

CNS Stimulants can be divided

based on their site of action:
Cerebral stimulants (amphetamines,
caffeine, caffeine like substances)
Medullary stimulants (picrotoxin)
Spinal stimulants (strychnine)

Amphetamines
Amphetamines are
sympathomimetic drugs
Similar to neurotransmitters like
dopamine, epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin
Amphetamines increase the
production of neurotransmitters
(like dopamine) and prevent it
from being recycled which
creates a longer high feeling

Approved Uses of Amphetamines

In 1932, inhalers were used to treat nasal congestion

Originally sold for obesity, alcoholism, depression,

schizophrenia, morphine and codeine addiction, heart
block, head injuries, seasickness, persistent hiccups,
and caffeine mania.

Approved Uses of Amphetamines

In 1970, the Food And Drug Administration restricted
legal use of amphetamines to three medical conditions:
Narcolepsy
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Short term weight reduction programs

Amphetamine Effects
feelings of euphoria,
excitement and a sense of
wellbeing
increased confidence and
motivation
a sense of power and
superiority over others
nervousness, anxiety,
agitation and panic
headaches
dizziness

Caffeine

The worlds
most frequently
used and
potentially the
most popular
drug.
Most commonly
consumed are
methylxanthines
(also known as

Almost 80% of
the worlds
population
consumes
caffeine daily.

30% of
Americans
consume
600mg or more
per day.

Xanthine
Consumed in beverages and
foods:
Coffee beans
Energy Drinks
Chocolate
Cocoa
Soft Drinks (Mountain Dew,
Pepsi, Coca-Cola, etc.)

Tea plants

Kola nuts
Mate leaves

Guarana paste

Pharmacological Effects of Xanthine

CNS Effects

100-200 mg/day - Alertness, and reduces tiredness

300+ mg/day Insomnia, increased tension, anxiety, and muscle twitches

500+ mg/day panic sensations, chills, nausea, and clumsiness

Extreme doses/day May result in seizures, respiratory failure, and even death

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects

500+ mg leads to increased heart activity

Can help with asthma-related respiratory problems

Caffeine Intoxication

Caffeinism: frequent high does of caffeine (insomnia, nervousness, tachycardia)

Caffeine Dependence

Not likely to be an issue. Individual may experience headaches when not consuming caffeine, but it shouldnt
interfere with daily activity.

Picrotoxin
Picrotoxin is a poisonous crystalline
plant compound, first isolated in 1812.
It has a strong physiological action. It
acts as a non-competitive channel
blocker for the GABA receptor chloride
channels. It is therefore a channel
blocker rather than a receptor
antagonist.
Picrotoxin is classified as an illegal
performance-enhancing "Class 1
substance" by the American Quarter
Horse Association.

Strychnine
Strychnine is a highly toxic,
colorless, bitter crystalline
alkaloid used as a pesticide,
particularly for killing small
animals such as birds and
rodents.
Strychnine was popularly
used as an athletic
performance enhancer and
recreational stimulant in the
late 19th century and early
20th century, due to its
convulsant effects. It was
thought to be similar to
coffee.

Other Stimulant Products

Herbal stimulants
Contain ephedrine, ephedra, or guarana

OTC Sympathomimetics
Cold, allergic, and diet aid medications

Performance Enhancers
Drugs taken to increase physical or mental
performance to achieve a more positive result

Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Crack cocaine

CSN Stimulants and Pregnancy

Caffeine - Pregnant mothers should have less than 200
mg/day. Mothers who chose to drink caffeine are at
higher risk of miscarriage. There can be slight reduction
in weight of baby at birth.

Methamphetamine Low birth weight, Premature birth,

Mental and physical birth defects, Increased risk of
miscarriage

Treatment for Dependence

on CNS Stimulants

Inpatient and outpatient programs

AODA Counseling
Psychological counseling

Motivation

Goals

Questions
1)What are the main CNS stimulants?
2)Which stimulant we consume every day?
3)What are the approved uses of
amphetamine?
4)What are the symptoms of "Caffeinism?
5)What are some COMMON side effects of
CNS stimulants?