Stimulant is a substance that causes an increase in the activity of an organ of the body. The term usually refers to chemicals that excite or increase certain activities of the central nervous system (see Nervous system (The central nervous system)).
Compounds such as strychnine and picrotoxin are toxic stimulants of the central nervous system. They are classified as analeptics or convulsants. An overdose of these types of stimulants may cause severe disturbance, convulsions, and death. Caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines also stimulate the central nervous system, but only very high doses of these compounds cause convulsions. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and a number of nonprescription analgesic preparations. Tobacco products contain nicotine.
A combination of the stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, sold under the trade name Adderall, is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Used under a doctor’s supervision, this medication may help to increase a person’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control behavior.
See also Doping.
