Stimulant

A stimulant is any of a group of drugs that can increase alertness and awareness, usually for a short time only. Most stimulants have more side-effects than other drugs. Some are classified as illegal drugs, most can cause addiction. For this reason, most legal stimulants are only available on prescription. Stimulants act on the nerves: Stimulants cause more neurotransmitters to the synapse (this is the gap between different nerves)

Most stimulants fall into one of the following groups:

• Amphetamine and its derivates: Methylphenidate, Methamphetamine, Pseudoephedrine Ephedrine, Ecstasy
• Xanthines: Caffeine, Theophylline, Theobromine
• Piperazine and its derivates: Benzylpiperazine, Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine
• Various others: Cocaine, Nicotine, Modafinil

Some of the substances mentioned above can be used to treat certain diseases. Some are mostly used as illegal drugs.

Stimulant Media

• Ritalin-SR-20mg-full.jpg

  Ritalin: 20 mg sustained-release (SR) tablets

• Methamphetamines.PNG

  A chart comparing the chemical structures of different amphetamine derivatives

• Roasted coffee beans.jpg

  Roasted coffee beans, a common source of caffeine.

• Ecstasy monogram.jpg

  Ecstasy monogram

• Cocaine lines 2.jpg

  Lines of cocaine, a popular stimulant

• Catha edulis.jpg

  Catha edulis