1. Stimulants

2. Stimulants
Stimulants are chemical substances that enhance the activity of the brain and the central nervous system.
They cause increased alertness and wakefulness. In many cases they also act to decrease appetite.

3. Sympathomimetic Drugs
Sympathomimetic drugs are chemical substances that mimic the effects of the hormone, adrenalin.
Generally they cause constriction of the arteries and increase metabolism.

4. Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters work to transmit electrical neuro-impulses across a synapse.
Many stimulants enhance the neuro-impulse transmission systems.
L dopamine
Serotonin

5. Stimulants
The structures of many stimulants mimic chemical structures and are closely related to the neurotransmitters found in the body.
L Dopamine
Serotonin

6. Amphetamines - Historical Development
Amphetamines were initially developed as a cure-all for helping long haul truckers stay awake
They were also used for weight control, to help athletes to perform better and train longer
As amphetamine abuse became more common, it became evident that the dangers of abuse far outweighed therapeutic uses.

7. Amphetamines
Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930s as Benzedrine, an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion.
It was also used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder, narcolepsy, and the behavioral syndrome called minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), which today is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
During World War II, amphetamines were used to keep the fighting men going especially under intense battle conditions.

8. Amphetamines
Amphetamines closely mimic the chemical structure of adrenalin.

9. Amphetamines Amphetamines act by
constricting arteries, increasing perspiration activity and stimulating brain activity.
increasing heart rate and blood pressure,
increasing wakefulness, restlessness, agitation and insomnia.

10. Amphetamines --Harmful Effects
Highly addictive and toxic
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.

11. Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a powerful stimulant that has some characteristics in common with adrenalin and L-dopamine as well.
Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory.

12. Ecstasy - Effects
Because it mimics L-Dopamine, it has been used to relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Results in mental relaxation, increased sensitivity to stimuli and hallucinations.
It can be produce fatal effects even from a single exposure
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Attempts to synthesize new amphetamines led to so called designer drugs, all of which are highly dangerous.

13. Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae)
It constitutes approximately 0.6–3.0% of dry weight of tobacco

14. Nicotine -Short Term Sympathomimetic
Increases concentration and relieves tension
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Reduction in urine output

15. Nicotine – Long Term Highly addictive
Increased risk of heart disease and coronary thrombosis
Increased stomach acid and risk of peptic ulcers
Chronic lung disease
Increased risk of cancer

16. Nicotine -- Addiction and Withdrawal
Highly addictive
Cessation of smoking difficult
Cravings
Nausea, weight gain, insomnia, irritability, and depression

17. Caffeine Characteristics
                                        
Caffeine Characteristics
Alkaloid
Widely used stimulant found in coffee and tea.
Added to some pain killers to speed up their effects.
Not addictive in usual sense but mild withdrawal symptoms observed in some cases

18. Caffeine Effects Increases alertness, concentration, and restlessness
Diuretic
Potential dependence

19. Theobromine Found in chocolate Effects similar to caffeine.
Structure is similar to that of caffeine but the methyl group on the nitrogen between the two carbonyl groups is missing
Theobromine
Caffeine

20. Theobromine
Although theobromine does not cause harmful effects with humans, it is highly toxic to some domestic animals, including dogs and horses.
With the animals, theobromine can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
Theobromine
Theobromine has a bitter flavor, which gives dark chocolate its typical bitter taste.
Caffeine