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Similar term(s): uppers, psychostimulants.
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the activity of the central nervous system.
Stimulants are often referred to as "uppers" because they increase or speed up mental and physical processes in the body. Some are prescribed medically to increase alertness and physical activity.
Stimulants include nicotine (found in tobacco products), caffeine, amphetamines, ecstasy, and cocaine.
Stimulants can give rise to symptoms suggestive of intoxication, including abnormally rapid heart rate, dilatation of the pupils, elevated blood pressure, overactive reflexes, sweating, chills, nausea or vomiting, and abnormal behaviour such as fighting, hypervigilance, agitation, feelings of superiority, and impaired judgement. Chronic misuse commonly induces personality and behaviour changes such as impulsivity, aggressivity, irritability, and suspiciousness.
Cessation of intake after prolonged or heavy use may produce a withdrawal syndrome, with depressed mood, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and increased dreaming.
Source: GreenFacts, based on WHO
Lexicon of alcohol and drug terms
Stimulants make up one of four major groups of psychoactive drugs, next to depressants , opioids , and hallucinogens .
Source: GreenFacts
Alcohol - Hallucinogen - Nervous system - Opioids - Stimulants
GreenFacts Summary on Psychoactive Drugs Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Substances:
Español: Estimulantes
Français: Stimulants
Nederlands: Stimulerende middelen
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