Chapter 10Stimulants

Introduction on StimulantsStimulants are substances that cause the user to feel energized and experience a sense of increased energy and a state of euphoria, or high.When feeling the high, this effect is likely because of the hormone dopamine, that is released. If taken excessively over time, stimulants can produce personality changes or even induce violent, dangerous, psychotic behavior (Deslandes, Pache, and Sewell, 2002).The addiction to a potent stimulant makes a person adhere in making very bad choices that will affect them or someone they love.Uppers: CNS Stimulants

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC, 2012

The Two Principals of Stimulants

Major Stimulants: Amphetamines Cocaine

Minor Stimulants: Caffeine Stimulant properties,

such as, OTC sympathomimetics

Herbal products that give natural highs

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC, 2012

Major Stimulants- Signs and Symptoms Increase Alertness Excitation Euphoria- Trouble falling asleep Anorexia Psychotic Symptoms Peripheral Cardiovascular Activity Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview

Amphetamines and Their Use

All major stimulants are classified as either:I. Schedule, Designer AmphetaminesII. Schedule, Amphetamine, cocaine, and

methylphenidate (Ritalin)Even though these drugs have properties in common, they also have unique features that distinguish them from one another.Amphetamines are prescribed by physicians for: Appetite control in weight loss programsNarcolepsy, (a condition causing spontaneous and

uncontrolled sleeping episodes) (eGetgoing 2010). Hyperactivity Disorders, (ADD, ADHD) This common

behavioral problem involves children and adolescents with abnormally high level of physical activity, an inability to focus attention, and frequent disruptive behavior (Polanczyk and Rohde 2007).

Side Effects of Therapeutic DosesThe two principal side effects of therapeutic doses of amphetamines are:1. Abuse2. Cardiovascular toxicitiesMany of these effects derive from the amphetamine-induced release of epinephrine from the adrenal glands and norepinephrine from the nerves associated with the sympathetic nervous system. These side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and damage to vessels, especially small veins and arteries (Drug War Facts 2004, Drugs.com 2010, Swan 1996)In users with a history of heart attack, coronary arrhythmia, or hypertension, amphetamine toxicity can be severe or even fatal. Jones and Bartlett, Learning LLC 2010

Signs and Symptoms:

Effects of Amphetamines on the Body and mind

LOW DOSE

BODY MIND

Increased Heartbeat Decreased Fatigue

Increased Blood Pressure

Increased Confidence

Decreased Appetite Increased Feeling of Alertness

Increased Breathing Rate

Restlessness, Talkativeness

Inability to Sleep Increased Irritability

Sweating Fearfulness, Apprehension

Dry Mouth Distrust of People

Muscle Twitching Behavioral Stereotypy

Convulsions Hallucinations

Fever Psychosis

Chest Pain

HIGH DOSE Irregular Heartbeat

Minor StimulantsMinor stimulants enjoy widespread use in the United States because of the mild lift in mood provided by their consumption. The most popular of these agents are methylxanthines, commonly called xanthines, such as caffeine (which are consumed in many beverages made from plants and herbs).Other minor stimulants are OTC medicines, such as cold and hay fever products. Caffeine, is the world’s most frequently used stimulant and the most popular drug (Medicinenet, 2010). Xanthine's, is the family of drugs that includes caffeine.Examples of beverages that contain caffeine, include: Coffee Soft drinks Tea Chocolate Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2010

Minor Stimulants ContinuedOther Natural caffeine sources that are popular in different parts of the world: Guarana- berries that contain guaranine, a substance very

similar in chemical make-up to caffeine, found in Brazil (Paajanen, About.com 2013)

Mate` from Argentina, Southern Brazil, and Paraguay Kola nuts form West Africa, West Indies, and South

America. Kola nuts are seeds from a tree that gives a greater or lesser percentage of caffeine, which is only found in the fresh state. The seeds are said to contain a glucoside, kolanin, but this substance appears to be a mixture of Kola red and caffeine. The seeds also contain starch, fatty matter, sugar, a fat decomposing enzyme acting on various oils (Grieve, Botanical.com 1995-2013).

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2013

Minor Stimulants ContinuedAlthough the consumption of beverages is by far the most common source of xanthines, a number of popular OTC products contain large quanitities of caffeine, such as; Anacin and Excedrin, containing 30-60 milligrams

of caffeine per tablet. NoDoz and Vivarin (picker upper or stay awake),

higher doses of 100-200 milligrams per tablet (Medicinenet 2010).

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2013

Physiological Effects of XanthinesCNS responses among users can vary considerably but in general 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine enhances alertness, causes arousal, and diminishes fatigue (Medicinenet 2010).Drugs that stimulate the brain usually stimulate the cardiovascular system as well. Low doses 100-200 milligrams, heart activity can either increase, decrease, or do nothing. Higher doses, 500 milligrams or more, the rate of contraction of the heart increases.Xanthines usually cause minor vasodilation in most of the body. The cerebal blood vessels are vasoconstricted by the action of caffeine. Among the xanthines, theophylline( frequently used for asthmatic problems), has the greatest effect on the respiratory system, causing air passages to open and facilitate breathing.

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2013

Physiological Effects of Xanthines Continued

Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms are as follows:

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2013

Symptom Duration

Headache Several days to 1 week

Decreased Alertness 2 days

Decreased Vigor 2 days

Fatigue and Lethargy 2 days

Nervousness 2 days

Most Countries around the world are looking for solutions to the personal and social consequences of drug abuse in general and the stimulant problems in particular.

Jones and Bartlett Learning, LLC 2013

Stimulants:

Problems that affect the United States and Global as well.

References:1) Read Chapter 10 on Stimulants

2) Viewed the documentary on Meth

3) PowerPoint presentation on Chapter 10, Stimulants

4) PowerPoint presentation part 2 on CNS Stimulants

5) Reviewed literature on methamphetamines

6) Listened to the NPR podcast about methamphetamine

7) http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/guarana.htm

8) http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/k/kolanu10.html