CNS Stimulate Fact Sheet
Physiological Complications/Psych
Valerie Ditter
What is a CNS stimulate
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, also called psychomotor stimulants or uppers, are a
class of drugs that speed up physical and mental processes.
Names of various CNS stimulates
Examples of CNS stimulants include amphetamines, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®),
methamphetamine (e.g. Desoxyn® or Desoxyn Gradumet®), caffeine (e.g. coffee or tea),
nicotine (cigarettes or cigars), and the illegal drug cocaine. Examples of otc stimulants are Keep
Alert, Vivarin and No Doz Max. Strength.
Street names
Bams, Blackbirds, crosses, poppers, speed, thrusters, uppers, uppies, whites, bernies, big, bloke,
blow, heaven dust, her, school boy, snow, crank, crystal, meth, splash, dexies, pep pills, bennies.
Therapeutic uses
Stimulants are typically used to treat medical conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), attention-deficit disorder (ADD), fatigue, and narcolepsy. Some stimulants
have been used as appetite suppressants, although the safety of this use remains controversial.
Cocaine has shown to be effective as a local anesthetic.
CNS Stimulate Fact Sheet
Physiological Complications/Psych
Valerie Ditter
Neurological Effects of abuse
Stimulants have chemical structures that are similar to key brain neurotransmitters called
monoamines, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Their therapeutic effect is achieved by
slow and steady increases of dopamine that are similar to the natural production of this chemical
by the brain. The doses prescribed by physicians start low and increase gradually until a
therapeutic effect is reached. However, when taken in doses and routes other than those
prescribed, stimulants can increase the brain’s dopamine levels in a rapid and highly amplified
manner—as do most other drugs of abuse—disrupting normal communication between brain
cells, producing euphoria, and increasing the risk of addiction.
Physiological effects of abuse
In general, side effects of abuse may include anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, depersonalization,
feeling of euphoria, increased heartbeat, crying, dysphoria, decreased appetite, hyperventilation,
irritability, depression, nervousness, paranoia, mood swings, restlessness, and shaking or
trembling.
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Withdrawal Effects
Individuals who stop taking stimulants after they become addicted to them usually experience
withdrawal symptoms. In general, symptoms of withdrawal may include irritability, headaches,
nausea, vomiting, and mood swings.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms varies, depending on the specific drug. For instance,
individuals who are addicted to caffeine may experience symptoms of fatigue or headaches when
they stop drinking coffee. In contrast, individuals who abuse methamphetamines experience
much more severe withdrawal symptoms that may even be life threatening. Examples of these
symptoms include intense cravings for the drug, psychotic reactions, anxiety, moderate to severe
depression, intense hunger, irritability, fatigue, mental confusion, and insomnia.
CNS Stimulate Fact Sheet
Physiological Complications/Psych
Valerie Ditter
Health Risks
There is a high potential for addiction, paranoia, and sleep deprivation (which can cause
psychotic episodes). There is also a danger of long-term insomnia, digestive problems, and
erratic weight change. Stimulants are most dangerous when used with over-the-counter
medications including cold medications containing decongestants; antidepressants, unless
supervised by a physician; and some asthma medications.
Signs and Symptoms of dependence
CNS stimulants may cause physical or mental dependence when taken over long periods.
Anyone who shows signs of dependence should check with his or her doctor right away.
Dependence can be indicated by an unusually strong desire to keep taking the medicine. Other
signs include the need to take larger and larger doses of the medicine to get the same effect, and
withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain,
trembling, or unusual tiredness or weakness when the medicine is stopped.
References:
http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/cns-stimulants/symptoms-and-causes
http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/painmed.htm
http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/38/Central-nervous-system-stimulants.htmll
CNS Stimulate Fact Sheet
Physiological Complications/Psych
Valerie Ditter