StimulantsSandy Kulkarni

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StimulantsStimulants 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.

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Sympathomimetic DrugsSympathomimetic drugs are chemical

substances that mimic the effects of the hormone, adrenalin.

Generally they cause constriction of the arteries and increase metabolism.

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NeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters work to transmit electrical neuro-impulses across a synapse.

Many stimulants enhance the neuro-impulse transmission systems.

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L dopamine

Serotonin

Stimulants The structures of many

stimulants mimic chemical structures and are closely related to the neurotransmitters found in the body.

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L Dopamine

Serotonin

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.

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AmphetaminesAmphetamine 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.

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Amphetamines Amphetamines

closely mimic the chemical structure of adrenalin.

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Amphetamines

Amphetamines act byconstricting arteries, increasing perspiration

activity and stimulating brain activity. increasing heart rate and blood pressure, increasing wakefulness, restlessness, agitation

and insomnia.

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Amphetamines --Harmful Effectshighly addictive and toxicLong 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.

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Ecstasy Ecstasy is a powerful stimulant that has some characteristics in common with adrenalin and L-dopamine as well.

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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.

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.

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

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Nicotine -Short TermSympathomimeticIncreases

concentration and relieves tension

Increased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Reduction in urine output

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Nicotine – Long TermHighly addictiveIncreased risk of

heart disease and coronary thrombosis

Increased stomach acid and risk of peptic ulcers

Chronic lung diseaseIncreased risk of

cancer

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Cessation of

smoking difficultCravings Nausea, weight

gain, insomnia, irritability, and depression

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Nicotine -- Addiction and Withdrawal

AlkaloidWidely used stimulant

found in coffee and tea.Added to some pain

killers to speed up their effects.

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Caffeine Characteristics

                                        

Increases alertness, concentration, and restlessness

DiureticPotential dependence

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Caffeine Effects

Found in chocolateEffects similar to

caffeine.Structure is similar

to that of caffeine but the methyl group on the nitrogen between the two carbonyl groups is missing

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Theobromine

Theobromine

Caffeine

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.

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Theobromine

Theobromine

Caffeine

Theobromine has a bitter flavor, which gives dark chocolate its typical bitter taste.