Stimulants “Chemical Uppers”

Pharmacology Administration Action Ingestion Injection Inhalation Causes release of excitatory neurotransmitter – norepinephrine, dopamine, adrenaline Prevents release of inhibitory neurotransmitter - adenosine

Physiological Effects Increase CNS activity – alertness Increase concentration Increase heart rate Increase blood pressure Increase metabolism Decrease appetite Euphoria

Psychological Effects Decrease perception of fatigue Feel stronger, more decisive, & more self-possessed Feelings of paranoia, hallucinations, moodswings, anxiety, and irritability possible

Cocaine Natural stimulant; made from coca leaves Only medical use is throat or nasal surgery Purity? Administration / Effects “Snorted” – onset in 3-5 min, lasts 20-40 min. Intravenous administration – lasts 10 min. Adverse effects Irregular heart beat “Crack” – form of cocaine; formed into crystals then smoked; effects seen in seconds

Amphetamines Medical uses Narcolepsy Hyperactivity Appetite suppressant Recreational uses – mood altering effects (“pep”) Athletic uses Increase blood flow to muscles Decrease sense of fatigue Improve reaction time Go beyond normal physiological limit Increase time of productive work

Xanthines Blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter Caffeine – Theophylline Most common stimulant; many consider it harmless of the xanthines has greatest stimulant effects Theophylline Found in tea Used as active ingredient in some OTC bronchodilators Theobromine Small stimulant effect Found in Chocolate

Physiological Effects of Caffeine Increase metabolism Increase blood pressure Increase heart rate Decrease appetite Increased alertness, decrease fatigue Vasoconstriction in the brain Diuresis Increase stomach acid release

Other Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal symptoms Caffeine & Diseases Ergogenic effects? IOC - 12µg/ml NCAA - 15µg/ml

Ephedrine From Ephedra shrub Found in many natural health products – Ma Huang & OTC products – asthma, weight loss FDA approval for asthma and decongestant Substitute for MDMA (“ecstasy”)

Effects of Ephedrine Physiological effects Side effects Broncholilator, increase heart rate, increase blood pressure Side effects Dizziness, irritability, anxiety Adverse effects Stroke, heart attack, seizures, liver failure, insomnia, risk increases if used with caffeine Banned by IOC & NCAA