Stimulants

Abstract

This article is concerned with a diverse group of chemical agents that have the ability to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). In many instances, CNS stimulation is not therapeutically sought and the CNS stimulation observed is considered to be an adverse effect or even, a manifestation of toxicity; seizures (or convulsions) are often the primary event noted. However, a modest degree of CNS stimulation is increasingly considered a beneficial effect for the treatment of such disorders as Alzheimer's disease, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and clinical depression. Currently, there is an active search for compounds that have selective stimulatory properties. There has always been a need, or at least a desire, for compounds with the ability to delay fatigue and increase awareness. Some CNS stimulants are used for these purposes. Some CNS stimulants with sympathomimetic properties also have the ability to decrease appetite and have been used as components in some weight‐loss regimens.