Stimulants
As the name suggests,
stimulants increase
alertness, attention,
and energy, as well as elevate
blood pressure and increase
heart rate and respiration.
Stimulants historically were
used to treat asthma and other
respiratory problems, obesity,
neurological disorders, and a
variety of other ailments. But
as their potential for abuse and
addiction became apparent, the
medical use of stimulants began
to wane. Now, stimulants are
prescribed for the treatment of
only a few health conditions,
including narcolepsy, ADHD,
and depression that has not
responded to other treatments.
How do stimulants affect
the brain and body?
Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine and
Adderall) and methylphenidate
(Ritalin and Concerta), have
chemical structures similar to a
family of key brain neurotransmitters
called monoamines,
which include norepinephrine
and dopamine. Stimulants
enhance the effects of these
chemicals in the brain.
Stimulants also increase
blood pressure and heart
rate, constrict blood vessels,
increase blood glucose, and
open up the pathways of
the respiratory system. The
increase in dopamine is
associated with a sense of
euphoria that can accompany
the use of these drugs.
What are the possible consequences
of stimulant use and abuse?
As with other drugs of abuse,
it is possible for individuals to
become dependent upon or
addicted to many stimulants.
Withdrawal symptoms associated
with discontinuing
stimulant use include fatigue,
depression, and disturbance
of sleep patterns. Repeated use
of some stimulants over a short
period can lead to feelings of
hostility or paranoia. Further,
taking high doses of a stimulant
may result in dangerously
high body temperature and
an irregular heartbeat.
There is also the potential
for cardiovascular failure or
lethal seizures.
Is it safe to use stimulants
with other medications?
Stimulants should be used
in combination with other
medications only under a
physician's supervision.
Patients also should be aware
of the dangers associated with
mixing stimulants and OTC
cold medicines that contain
decongestants; combining
these substances may cause
blood pressure to become
dangerously high or lead to
irregular heart rhythms.
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