Stimullants

In contrast to depressant drugs, stimulant drugs speed up the functions of the central nervous system. Millions of Australians use the following stimulants every day:


•caffeine: most coffee, tea and cola drinks contain caffeine, which is a mild stimulant;
•nicotine: the nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, despite many smokers using it to relax; and
•ephedrine: used in medicines for bronchitis, hay fever and asthma.
Stronger stimulant drugs include:


•amphetamines and methamphetamines: also known as 'speed', 'ice' and 'crystal meth';
•cocaine: also known as 'coke' and 'snow';
•slimming tablets: e.g. Duromine and Tenuate; and
•dexamphetamine: prescribed to treat attention-deficit disorder in children and narcolepsy, which is an uncontrollable urge to fall asleep.
Stimulants speed up or stimulate the central nervous system and can make the users feel more awake, alert or confident. Stimulants increase heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Other physical effects include reduced appetite, dilated pupils, talkativeness, agitation and sleep disturbance.


Higher doses of stimulants can 'over stimulate' the users, causing anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. They can also cause heart problems such as arrhythmia. Prolonged or sustained use of strong stimulants can also cause these effects.


Strong stimulants can mask the effects of depressant drugs, such as alcohol. This can increase the potential for aggression, and poses an obvious hazard if the person is driving.