What does stimulants do to the body?

Answer 1

Stimulant drugs increase alertness and heighten awareness. They work in an area of the brain called the reticular activating system (RAS), which lies in the brain stem. The RAS controls wakefulness by sending signals to the upper part of the brain (the cerebral cortex), which controls thought processes. Activity in the RAS is controlled by the balance of inhibitory chemicals, such as gamma ami Stimulant drugs increase alertness and heighten awareness. They work in an area of the brain called the reticular activating system (RAS), which lies in the brain stem. The RAS controls wakefulness by sending signals to the upper part of the brain (the cerebral cortex), which controls thought processes. Activity in the RAS is controlled by the balance of inhibitory chemicals, such as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and excitatory chemicals, including noradrenaline. Stimulant drugs trigger the release of noradrenaline by the brain cells, increasing RAS activity and so increasing the 'thinking' activity of the cerebral cortex. The best-known stimulant drug is caffeine. We often drink coffee to stay awake or keep our brains going when we're tired. Other stimulants include amphetamines and similar drugs once used in slimming to control appetite, but now banned because of their side-effects. Stimulants are also used for narcolepsy (a condition of excessive sleepiness) and hyperactivity (it sounds paradoxical, but they can help to increase the attention span). The risks of stimulants are considerable and many are classified as controlled drugs. They're addictive and in the long term the brain becomes tolerant to them, so increasing doses are needed to have the same affect. They can cause palpitations, anxiety, hallucinations and seizures. During use, natural stimulant production slows, so if the drug is stopped there may be depression and lethargy.

Answer 2

While not entirely understood, stimulants exhibit a paradoxical effect (an effect that wouldn't be expected) in patients with ADHD; stimulants help the large majority of those with ADHD to calm down, which is unexpected because in most of the population they cause excitability.

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of drug used to treat ADHD. Stimulants increase certain chemicals in the brain (including dopamine and norepinephrine) which are believed to play a role in focus and impulse regulation.

Amphetamine and methylphenidate are common prescription stimulants (brand names include Ritalin and Adderall). In most countries, stimulants are a controlled substance and are illegal to obtain or consume without a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

Answer 3

Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, have chemical structures similar to a family of key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants also increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, increase blood glucose, and open up the pathways of the respiratory system.

Answer 4

A stimulant is a drug that increases the speed of the body's' function. Examples of stimulants include amphetamines and cocaine. Our bodies make their own called epinephrine ("epi")

Answer 5

How they provide provide energy is, the stimulants disolve in you body, into the cells, and the cells go crazy and create energy for you body.

- K. Scarboro