Products
Stimulants are commercially available as drugs, narcotics, dietary supplements, and foods. Dosage forms include tablets, capsules, and solutions.
Structure and properties
Stimulants do not have a uniform chemical structure, but groups can be identified. Many, for example the amphetamines, are derived from the natural catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Effects
The active ingredients have stimulant (energizing) properties. They promote alertness, the ability to concentrate, and cognitive performance. The effects are often based on interaction with neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system, for example, by promoting the release of neurotransmitters. Caffeine is an antagonist at adenosine receptors.
Indications and indications
Not all stimulants are approved for all indications:
- Fatigue, drowsiness, weakness.
- Narcolepsy
- Headache (caffeine)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Exam preparation
- Low blood pressure
- Overweight and obesity (obsolete)
Dosage
According to the professional information leaflet. Stimulants are usually administered perorally.
Abuse
Numerous stimulants are abused as doping agents, intoxicants, smart drugs, and party drugs. This is strongly discouraged because of the adverse effects and potential for dependence.
Active Ingredients
A selection of stimulants, for more see drug groups: Amphetamines:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, generics).
- Dexamphetamine (Attentin)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse)
Sympathomimetics:
- Ephedrine
- Etilefrin (Effortil)
- Modafinil (Modasomil)
- Phenylephrine (off-label use)
Vitamin derivatives:
- Nicethamide (gly-coramine)
Natural stimulants:
- Caffeine (coffee, black tea, guarana, mate, energy drinks).
- Cocaine, cath leaves
- Ephedra, ephedrine
- Cath
- Carbohydrates such as glucose and sucrose.
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Nicotine
- Vitamins, minerals
Contraindications
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Stimulants generally have a high potential for interaction.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects depend on the substance used. A selection of common adverse effects is shown below. They do not apply to all representatives:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Nervousness, sleep disturbances
- Headache, dizziness
- Psychiatric disorders such as hyperactivity, convulsions, tics, psychosis, hallucinations, depression.
- Cardiovascular disorders: Rapid pulse, palpable heartbeats, cardiac arrhythmias, increase in blood pressure.
- Dry mouth, loss of appetite.
Many stimulants can be physically and psychologically dependent and addictive.
