What are central nervous system stimulants?
Definition Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are medicines that speed up physical and mental processes. Purpose Central nervous system stimulants are used to treat conditions characterized by lack of adrenergic stimulation, including narcolepsy and neonatal apnea. Additionally, methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine) are used for their paradoxical effect in attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The anerexiants, benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phendimetrazine (Bontril, Plegine), phentermine (Fastin, Ionamine), and sibutramine (Meridia) are CNS stimulants used for appetite reduction in severe obesity. Although these drugs are structurally similar to amphetamine, they cause less sensation of stimulation, and are less suited for use in conditions characterized by lack of adrenergic stimulation. Phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine have been used both as diet aids and as vasoconstrictors. Description The majority of CNS stimulants
