Stimulants


 * Stimulants**

Stimulants are commonly defined as psychoactive drugs, which induce an enhanced state in the body, either physically or mentally. These are considered to be the functional opposites of depressants. Stimulants increase the state of mental alertness1.

Neurotransmitters in the brain transmit electrical neuro-impulses across a synapse2. Stimulants enhance and increase the neuro-impulse transmission systems. Stimulants also increase the rate at which the brain releases dopamine and serotonin. The brain rewards certain behaviours such as eating and sex, and releases these chemicals causing a “good feeling”. Stimulants cause the brain to release more dopamine and serotonin, causing the drug user to “feel good.” Chemicals such as dopamine help regulate movement, attention, motivation, and learning. It is synthesized by neurons in the brain, and is released when the body is being satisfied. Amphetamines, and caffeine stimulate more dopamine production and cause an increase in attention and concentration. Stimulants increase the concentration and rate of transmission of serotonin and dopamine3.
 * How most stimulants work**

Dopamine and serotonin, two “feel good” chemicals.



Some of the more common and natural stimulants are caffeine, and nicotine.

Basic Facts Most widely used psychoactive substance in the world, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks, in some beans, leaves, fruits, and in certain painkillers. Evidence suggests that approximately 400 mg of caffeine daily might lead to minor psychological dependence and physical side effects. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, causing inside nerve cells to increase the rate of cellular metabolism4.
 * Caffeine:**

Effects: · Increase in concentration · Increase in Alertness · Restlessness · Caffeine is diuretic, will cause frequent urination · If used in large amounts will result in dependence5



Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae) such as tobacco. It is one of the most wide spread chemicals in the world. Nicotine can make up to 3% of dry weight tobacco, and is mostly responsible for causing approximately 1/3 of world’s population to have some sort of addiction to cigarettes.
 * Nicotine:**

Effects include · Increased concentration · Release of tension · Increased heart rate · Increased blood pressure · Reduction in urine output

Nicotine is sympathomimetic. Sympathomimetic drugs are chemical substances that mimic the “fight or flight” hormone, adrenaline. They generally increase metabolism, and cause constriction of the arteries6.



Being an alkaloid, nicotine also contains a tertiary amine group, nitrogen, and a heterocyclic ring.

Neural transmitters carry messages from a neuron across a synapse to another neuron. Cocaine blocks the transfer of dopamine making it remain in the synapse. Since dopamine regulates mood, a more intense concentration of dopamine will intensify emotions and cause a euphoric rush. Users become dependant on drug to avoid “down” feeling, after euphoric rush wears off7.
 * Cocaine:**




 * Alkaloids**: All these (nicotine, cocaine, caffeine,) are alkaloids. These compounds originate from plants, and contain nitrogen. Their structure contains heterocyclic rings, which are rings that have other atoms besides carbon. In addition they include a tertiary amine group. All alkaloids are stimulants8.

Alkaloids are characterized by these three things:

1. Nitrogen 2. Heterocyclic rings (rings with other atoms as well as carbon) 3. Tertiary amine group Both, adrenaline and amphetamines derive from the phenylethylamine structure.
 * Amphetamines:**



Amphetamines were initially used to treat narcolepsy, and were issued to WW II airmen. Their main purpose was to combat fatigue and sleep. Amphetamines are also sympathomimetic, meaning they mimic the effects of adrenaline9. Which is why they were also used to help long haul truckers to stay awake, and were given to athletes to maximize efficiency and performance. The similarity structures of adrenaline and amphetamines also result in similar effects on the body10.

Amphetamines are a broad spectrum of drugs, but they all have similar effects such as: · Constricting arteries · Increasing perspiration · Increasing heart rate · Increasing blood pressure · Increasing wakefulness · Restlessness · Agitation · Euphoria · Insomnia

Long-term effects can be: · Addiction · Depression · Erratic behavior · Emotional instability · Auditory and visual hallucinations · Psychosis · Paranoia · Deterioration of body systems, (digestive, respiratory, etc)

Chemical Name: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA triggers release of neurotransmitter serotonin, causing excessive stimulation, and increased sensory perception11. A synapse is a nexus between neurons through which emotional stimulation is transmitted through electrical signals. MDMA causes vesicles in the neurons to release large quantities of serotonin, resulting in intense feelings of euphoria, joy, love, empathy, etc12.
 * MDMA aka Ecstasy**



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 * Sources**
 * IB Chem Book**

Andre I decided to help you out and start your page for you.



You owe me.

Your friend, Liam