CNS Stimulants
Andrea Schneider
What are CNS Stimulants?
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are medicines that speed up
physical and mental processes.
Prescription, OTC, Common, and Illicit CNS Stimulants
Schedule I
These substances have no accepted medical use in the United States
and have a high abuse potential. They cannot be prescribed.
Schedule I stimulants include the following:
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Aminoxaphen - Aminorex
Cathinone
Fenethylline
Methcathinone
Mephedrone
Methylaminorex
Amphetamine variants (eg, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], N ethylamphetamine, N,N -dimethylamphetamine)
Schedule II
These substances have a high abuse potential with severe psychic or physical dependence
liability. Schedule II controlled substances consist of certain narcotic, stimulant, and depressant
drugs. Prescriptions must be written in ink or typewritten and must be signed by the practitioner
except in a genuine emergency, in which case the practitioner is required to supply written
confirmation of the verbal order within 72 hours. No renewals may be prescribed.
Schedule II stimulants include the following:
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Cocaine
Dextroamphetamine - Dexedrine
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate - Vyvanse
Methamphetamine - Desoxyn
Methylphenidate - Ritalin
Phenmetrazine - Preludin
Biphetamine
Schedule III
These substances have an abuse potential less than those in schedules I and II, including
compounds containing limited quantities of certain narcotic and nonnarcotic drugs. Prescriptions
may be oral or written, and up to 5 renewals are permitted within 6 months.
Schedule III stimulants include the following:
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Benzphetamine - Didrex
Chlorphentermine
Clortermine
Phendimetrazine tartrate - Plegine, Prelu 2
Schedule IV
These substances have an abuse potential less than those in schedule III. Prescriptions may be
oral or written, and up to 5 renewals are permitted within 6 months.
Schedule IV stimulants include the following:
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Armodafinil - Nuvigil
Diethylpropion hydrochloride - Tenuate
Fencamfamin
Fenproporex
Mazindol - Sanorex, Mazanor
Mefenorex
Modafinil - Provigil
Norpseudoephedrine
Pemoline - Cylert (No longer available in United States)
Phentermine - Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex
Pipradrol
Sibutramine - Meridia (withdrawn from US market October 8, 2010)
Schedule V
These substances have an abuse potential less than those in schedule IV. Schedule V controlled
substances consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotic drugs and are
generally for antitussive and antidiarrheal purposes. These drugs are subject to state and local
regulation, and a prescription may not be required. Schedule V stimulants include pyrovalerone.
CNS Stimulants Street Names
Bams, Black Beauties, Blackbirds, Cross Tops, Cross Roads, Crosses, Eye Opener, Jolly Beans,
Lid Poppers, Poppers, Speed, Thrusters, Uppers, Uppies, Whites, Bernies, Big, Bloke, Big "C,"
Billie Hoke, Blow, Burese, "C," Charley, Cholly, Cocoa Puffs, Coke, Cola, Corine, Flake, Girl,
Gold Dust, Happy Dust, Heaven Dust, Her, Ice, Jam Cecil, Mosquitoes, Nose Candy, Peruvian
Marching Powder, Powdered Diamond, School Boy, Snow, Snow Caine, Snow Flake, Stardust,
White Mosquitoes , Wire, Bombitas, Businessman's Trip, Crank, Crystal, Meth, Methedrine,
Splash, Dexies, Pep Pills, Bennies
Therapeutic Uses of Prescription Stimulants
Stimulants are an effective way of managing ADHD
symptoms, such as short attention span, impulsive behavior,
and hyperactivity. They may be used alone or in combination
with behavior therapy.
Neurological Effects of Stimulant Abuse
Stimulants act in the brain similarly to a family of key brain
neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants
enhance the effects of these chemicals in the brain. The associated increase in dopamine can
induce a feeling of euphoria when stimulants are taken nonmedically. Such nonmedical cognitive
enhancement poses potential health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular events, and
psychosis. For some people, taking high doses of certain stimulants, or repeatedly abusing them,
can also lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia.
Physiological Effects of Stimulant Abuse
Stimulant abuse can be extremely dangerous. Taking high doses of a stimulant can cause an
irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and the potential for heart failure or
seizures. Stimulants should not be mixed with antidepressants (because they may enhance the
effects of a stimulant) or over-the-counter cold medicines that contain decongestants. This
mixture can lead to dangerously high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms.
Withdrawal Effects from Stimulant Abuse
People show varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms after chronic stimulant abuse. Those who
do have symptoms report an inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) and sometimes suicidal
thinking; anxiety and irritability; fatigue, lack of energy, changes in sleep patterns; and intense
drug cravings.
Health risks from Stimulant Abuse
Physically, stimulants affect a range of organs and body systems. Strain on heart muscle and
blood vessels are but a few physical risks of stimulant abuse. Dehydration is common. And there
are hidden demands on the body of stimulant abuse- short term and long term.
Stimulants rev up metabolism by increasing adrenaline. Adrenaline actually uses up protein in
the body and destroys lean body mass. Of course, stimulants promote a decrease in appetite. This
diminishing appetite will lead to malnutrition eventually.
Even if the person maintains near normal body weight,
the nutritional value of cells becomes markedly depleted.
In addition, stimulants raise insulin levels in the body.
Long term higher insulin levels actually promote weight
gain, not weight loss, which people often reach for
stimulants to achieve.
Although stimulants induce a transient increase in
serotonin, attributing to their mood enhancing effects, the
long term use of stimulants burns out serotonin reserves. Serotoninis one of the major
neurotransmitters (or nerve chemicals) responsible for maintaining a balanced mood. Long term
stimulant use, in burning out serotonin in the body, will induce a major crash in mood.
Also, prolonged stimulant abuse will accelerate aging.
Signs and Symptoms of CNS Stimulant Dependence
Manic Behavior
Many people who abuse stimulant drugs display unusually elated, animated, hyperactive and
manic behavior. This may include talking very quickly and seeming as if they are constantly in
motion. Restlessness, poor attention span, insomnia or extended wakefulness also may occur as a
result of this manic behavior.
Poor Appetite
Many stimulants suppress the desire to eat, and often cause subsequent weight loss. Although
poor appetite or weight loss can be associated with a number of situations, people who display
other signs of stimulant abuse in addition to a poor appetite or weight loss may have a problem.
Change in Appearance
Some people who abuse stimulant medications let their physical appearance slide, not spending
as much time on personal hygiene or showing interest in how they look, because their focus is
solely on obtaining the drug and getting high. This warning sign also may occur when a person
abuses other drugs or has a problem with alcohol.
Physical
Stimulants cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and may dilate
pupils. People who snort stimulant drugs may have nasal congestion or damage to the mucous
membranes of the nose, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other physical effects of stimulant abuse
include headaches, flushed skin, excessive sweating, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal cramps and
tremors, explains the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Psychological
Some people become unusually agitated, hostile, paranoid, aggressive or panicky while abusing
stimulants. In severe cases, hallucinations and even homicidal or suicidal tendencies also may
occur, warns the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Tangible Evidence
Finding drug paraphernalia also is a sign the person is abusing drugs. Those who abuse
prescription stimulant medications may have prescription containers belonging to other people.
Those who have a legitimate prescription for a stimulant medication may go through their own
prescriptions much more quickly than they should, or seem to constantly “lose” or misplace their
prescription and seek new prescriptions frequently. In addition to prescription bottles, other
stimulant drug paraphernalia may include pipes, mirrors, razor blades and scales. Many stimulant
drug abusers will claim that these items do not belong to them if they are trying to cover up their
drug problem, but the presence of drug paraphernalia is always a red flag that the person most
likely is abusing drugs.
Works Cited:
California State University: Long Beach. (n.d.). Central nervous system (cns) stimulants.
Retrieved from
http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/students/hrc/health_topics/drug_abuse/drugs_stim.htm
How do stimulants affect the brain and body?. (2011, October). Retrieved from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/stimulants/how-dostimulants-affect-brain-body
LastZesiewicz, M. (n.d.). Stimulants and their risks. Retrieved from
http://www.healthandgoodness.com/article/the-affect-of-stimulants-on-your-health.html
Preda, A. (2012). Stimulants. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007overview
Stimulant and performance drug abuse facts. (2012, March). Retrieved from
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/peerx/prescription-drug-facts/stimulants
The free medical dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Central Nervous System Stimulants
www.wellness.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/cnsstimulants
Learning Plan 9: Scoring Guide - Fact Sheet on CNS Stimulants.
Grading Rationale
Scoring Standards
10/5 = Excellent quality; criteria is fully demonstrated; no errors are evident; all key concepts are
addressed. 8/4 = Acceptable quality; minor flaws or errors exist or are omitted; information is
correct. 4/2 = Criterion attempted but needs improvement; response shows minimal
understanding of concepts; details and support are lacking. 0 = Criterion is unacceptable or not
complete - response is incorrect, irrelevant or missing. 10 = Criterion is met. 0 = Criterion is not
met.
Grading Scale: Your grade is converted to a percent. To calculate the percent, you must divide
the number of points you earned by the number of points possible for the assessment task.
92% - 100% = A 85% - 91% = B 72% - 84% = C Less than 72% = "NC" (No Credit) An "NC"
may be revised for credit. The highest grade one can earn for a revised paper is a "C." All
learning activities in the learning plan requiring a posting to the Discussion must be completed
prior to submitting your report.
Criteria
Values
Fact Sheet defines/describes CNS Stimulants.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet provides a list of the names of prescription, OTC, common and illicit CNS
Stimulants.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet provides a list of street names for various CNS Stimulants.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet describes the therapeutic uses of prescription Stimulants.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet identifies the neurological (brain) effects of Stimulant abuse.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet identifies the physiological effects from Stimulant abuse.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet identifies the withdrawal effects from Stimulant abuse.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet identifies health risks of the abuse of Stimulants.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet identifies the signs and symptoms of CNS Stimulant dependence.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet is organized, professionally appearing, and free of errors.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet synthesizes information from a variety of sources.
10 8 4 0
Fact Sheet is submitted by the due date.
10 0
Fact Sheet includes “References” to sources of information used.
10 8 4 0