What are STIMULANTS?& What are their EFFECTS?By: Alexis RogersBlock 2A: AP Psychology

What are stimulants?

A stimulant is defined as a substance that will increase the levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body. Stimulants also elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.

Different types of stimulants?

Caffeine Ginseng Guarana L-Tyrosine Gotu Kola Taurine

• Some stimulants are found in the foods/beverages/vitamins you consume.

• …others are categorized as drugs.

Nicotine Amphetamines Adderall Dexedrine Cocaine Ritalin

GOOD & BAD

Any of these look familiar to you?

What about the effects of these stimulants?

Guarana: -Described as a natural Ritalin-Studies show that this stimulant helps improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and increased task performance-Being tested in an attempt to provide cognitive improvement of those who suffer from “chemo-brain”

Ginseng:-One of the most common herbal stimulant-Reduce blood sugar-Improve cognitive performance-Useful for people with ADD-Boosts immune system

L-Tyrosine:-Is a building block for many neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine)-Helps with alertness

Gotu Kola:-Improves circulation-Improves mental clarity-Augments memory-Reduce anxiety-Boosts immune system when stressed

Taurine:-Improves athletic performance, energy, and stamina-Helps protect against damage to the central nervous system-Has been proved to reverse some damages done to smoking

Caffeine:-Essentially effects the central nervous system-Increases alertness-Can cause insomnia-Can cause headaches, nervousness, and dizziness

Do any of these look familiar as well?

What about the effect of these stimulants too?

Nicotine: -Acts as both a stimulant and a sedative-Addictive-Increases levels of dopamine-Results in the release of adrenaline

Amphetamines: -Stimulates the central nervous system-Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and decreases appetite-Can cause restlessness and hides symptoms of tiredness-You can become dependent on the stimuli if you use it too often

Ritalin:-Used to treat ADD, ADHD, and narcolepsy-Mood swings-Increases ability to pay attention, stay focused on one activity-Help improve listening skills-changes amount of natural substances in the brain

Adderall:-Used to tread ADD and narcolepsy-Stimulates the central nervous system -Increases alertness-Contributes to hyperactivity and impulse control

Dexedrine: -Stimulates the central nervous system-Improves attention span and behavior-Restlessness

Cocaine:-Interferes with neurotransmitters-Increase of energy and alertness-Restlessness-Anxiety-Elevated mood-Paranoia-Extreme excitement -Can cause strokes, heart attacks, and seizures

Click the link below if you’re interested in a video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x93935bpvs

Bibliography

"Adderall." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html>. "Amphetamine." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://www.drugs.com/amphetamine.html>. "Dexedrine." Tablets: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://www.drugs.com/cdi/dexedrine.html>. "Neuroscience for Kids - Caffeine." Neuroscience for Kids - Caffeine. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. <http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/caff.html>. "Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction." What are stimulants?. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/stimulants/what-are-stimulants>. "The Best Natural Stimulants For Increased Energy and Weight Loss." The Best Natural Stimulants For Increased Energy and Weight Loss. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/332-the-best-natural-stimulants-for-increased-energy-and-weight-loss.html>. "What are stimulants?." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Feb. 2012. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x93935bpvs>. "cocaine." psychology today . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. <http://m.psychologytoday.com/conditions/nicotine>.