Stimulant

Stimulant

A stimulant is a type of drug that increases activity in the brain. It can increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.

Types of Stimulants

Stimulants are classified into several types, including:

• Amphetamines: These are a group of synthetic psychoactive drugs that are similar in structure to ephedrine.
• Caffeine: This is a central nervous system stimulant that is commonly consumed worldwide.
• Cocaine: This is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant.
• Nicotine: This is a stimulant found in tobacco.
• Methylphenidate: This is a stimulant drug approved for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Effects of Stimulants

Stimulants can have both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects can include increased heart rate, decreased blood flow, increased blood sugar, opened-up breathing passages. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to severe health issues like heart disease, seizures, and mental disorders.

See Also

• Psychoactive drug
• Depressant
• Hallucinogen

References

Stimulant Resources
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