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Stimulants

Stimulants

Stimulants are chemical substances


that stimulate the brain and the
central nervous system.
They cause increased alertness and
wakefulness. In many cases they
also act to decrease appetite.
Amphetamines, nicotine and
caffeine are all examples of
stimulants.

Stimulants

L Dopamine

Serotonin

The structures of many


stimulants are closely
related to the
structures of
neurotransmitters in
the body.

Methamphetamin

Amphetamines

Amphetamine was first marketed in


the 1930s as Benzedrine, an overthe-counter inhaler to treat nasal
congestion.
Used for
(1) Narcolepsy- a sleeping disorder
(2) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
(3) During World War II,
amphetamines were used to keep
the fighting men alert especially
under intense battle conditions.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines closely
mimic the chemical
structure and effects of
adrenalin (epinephrine)
and are known as
sympathomimetic
drugs.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines
constrict arteries, increase perspiration
activity, and stimulate brain activity.
increase heart rate and blood pressure.
increase wakefulness, restlessness,
agitation and insomnia.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines became a cure-all for


helping long haul truckers stay awake
Also used for weight control, for helping
athletes to perform better and train
longer
Intravenous amphetamine abuse
Evident that the dangers of abuse
outweighed therapeutic uses.

Harmful effects of
amphetamines

highly addictive and toxic


Their long term use leads to deterioration of
a number of body systems.
Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that
resembles schizophrenia and is
characterized by paranoia, picking at the
skin, preoccupation with one's own thoughts,
and auditory and visual hallucinations.
Severe depression and violent or erratic
behavior are also common among meth
addicts.

Nicotine

Found in tobacco
Vasoconstrictor
Increases blood
pressure
Highly addictive

Nicotine is an example of an alkaloid.


Alkaloids are found in plant material.
They are characterized by a heterocyclic
nitrogen ring structure.

Nicotine

Increases level of fatty


acids in the blood stream
Increases stomach acidity
and the incidence of
peptic ulcers.
Highly toxic

Short term effects of


nicotine

Nicotine increases heart rate, blood


pressure and constricts the blood vessels.

This puts stress on the heart since it is


forced to pump blood harder than normal.

This accounts for the greater long-term


incidence of heart problems for smokers.

Nicotine and
Tobacco Smoking
In addition to nicotine,
poisonous tobacco smoke
also results in
(1) Reduced oxygen in
the blood due to a high
concentration of CO
(2) Increased exposure to
several carcinogens

Nicotine and
Tobacco Smoking
Tobacco smoking is
associated with the
increased risk of
(1) lung cancer
(2) emphysema
(3) cancer of the larynx
and mouth
(4) heart disease
(5)chronic bronchitis

It is much easier to become dependent on


nicotine than on alcohol or barbiturates.

Nicotine produces psychological dependence


and builds up tolerance.

Many heavy smokers experience physical


dependence as well. People who give up
smoking can experience withdrawal
symptoms such as weight gain, nausea,
insomnia, irritability, fatigue, inability to
concentrate as well as depression and a
craving for cigarettes.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mild
stimulant and a
weak diuretic.
It is found in coffee,
tea and some other
beverages

Caffeine
Caffeine
stimulates the
central
nervous
system
increases the
rates of
cellular
metabolism.

Caffeine is a heterocyclic compound in


which one or more carbon atoms in the
ring are replaced by another atom,
nitrogen.
Like nicotine it contains a tertiary amine
group - in which three organic substituents
are attached to nitrogen, fitting the
general formula R3N

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates
the central
nervous system
heart, kidneys,
lungs and arteries
Increases blood
supply to the heart
and brain.
Enhances
alertness, well
being motivation,
and concentration.

Caffeine

In small amounts
caffeine is considered
relatively harmless.
Stimulates
respiration
Vasoconstrictor potential use in the
treatment of
migraines.

Effects of Caffeine

In large quantities it
may cause
sleeplessness.
Prolonged
consumption may
lead to tolerance but
no physical addiction

Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are
substances that alter
sensory processing in the
brain,
causing perceptual
disturbances,
changes in thought processing,
and depersonalization

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a grey
or green mixture of
dried flowers and
leaves from the
Cannabis sativa, or
hemp plant.

How is marijuana used?

Marijuana is
actually smoked as
a cigarette (called a
joint or a nail) or in
a pipe or a bong.
Recently it has
appears in cigars,
called blunts.

How can you recognize someone


who uses marijuana?
He or she might:
Seem dizzy and have trouble
walking
Seem silly and giggly for no
reason
Have very red, bloodshot eyes
Have a hard time remembering
things that just happened.
He laughs without reason all
the time

Short-term effects of marijuana


use.
A few minutes after inhaling
marijuana :
The users heart start to beat rapid
The bronchial passages relax and
become expanded
Blood vessels in the eyes expands
Then the user :
May experience pleasant
sensations
Colours and sounds may seem
more intense
Time appears to pass very slowly

Long-term effects of marijuana


use.
Long-term use of marijuana
may produce damages
to :

Brain and Central Nervous


System

Endocrine System

Lungs

Immune System

Reproductive System

The infant of a pregnant


woman

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