Stimulants

• Examples:

  • Amphetamine - adderall
  • Methamphetamine
  • MDMA
  • Cocaine
  • Stimulate the central nervous system
• Clinical features:

  • CNS stimulants activate the sympathetic nervous system which causes symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, and mydriasis (dilated pupils)
  • Tactile hallucinations
  • Chest pain
• Withdrawal symptoms:

  • dysphoria - profound sense of unease or dissatisfaction
  • Lethargy
  • Psychomotor agitation
  • Craving
  • Increased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Bizarre dreams
• Screening tools:

  • Drug abuse screening test (DAST)
  • CAGE-AID
  • Addiction severity index
• There is no specific drug treatment available for CNS stimulant use. Treatment is supportive and aimed at managing withdrawal symptoms.