Stimulants

What are stimulants?
Stimulants are drugs which stimulate the central nervous system. They produce and increase in alertness and activity. Caffeine (found in coffee, cola, tea, and chocolate) and nicotine (found in tobacco products) are stimulants. Others are ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, cocaine, amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

What are the general effects of stimulants?
Stimulants speed up heart and breathing rates, and increase blood pressure. They also increase anxiety, interfere with sleep, and reduce appetite. Use of amphetamines causes a feeling of euphoria, increased alertness, and greater energy. As the drug wears off, fatigue and depression can occur.

What medical uses do stimulants have?
Caffeine is used in some medications to help keep the user from getting sleepy. Ephedrine is in certain nasal inhalers and cold preparations. Phenylpropanolamine is in many over-the-counter diet pills and nasal decongestants. Ritalin is used in the treatment of children with “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

What risks occur with stimulants?
Decongestants and diet pills containing Phenylpropanolamine elevate blood pressure. For some users, a dose just three times the normal dose can be fatal. Caffeine increases blood pressure and cause rapid, irregular heartbeat. Overuse and abuse can occur with all of the stimulant drugs. Caffeine dependency can develop. Nicotine dependency leads to serious health damage and death.

What immediate risks are associated with amphetamines?
Even small, infrequent doses of amphetamines can produce health risks in some people. These include restlessness, anxiety, mood swings, panic, paranoid thoughts, and hallucinations. High blood pressure, rapid or irregular heart beat, convulsions, coma, stroke, or heart failure. Death can occur from an overdose of amphetamines. Risk of using this drug is greatest when it is injected.

What long-term risks occur with amphetamines?
Heavy, frequent doses of amphetamines can produce brain damage. Chronic amphetamine users frequently neglect their diet, resulting in low resistance to illness and infections, malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers, and diseases resulting from vitamin deficiency. They may also have problems with their teeth, gums, and nails. Frequent heavy use of the drug can cause mental illness, suicide, and death.

What problems are caused by amphetamine and other stimulant use during pregnancy?
Caffeine can affect the mother’s eating and sleeping habits. Amphetamines used during pregnancy cross the placenta and affect the fetal heart rate and blood flow. Exposure to these drugs has been linked to brain abnormalities. Birth defects of the heart, urogenital system, and liver can occur.

Legal Information
There are no legal restrictions on the sale or use of caffeine, or over-the-counter preparations that contain stimulants.

Amphetamines, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are classified as controlled substances by Michigan and Federal law. Use, possession, delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and manufacture of the drug are all illegal without appropriate license or prescription.
 
Penalties include imprisonment and fines. Certain penalties are mandatory. Penalties are increased if a person eighteen years or older distributes the drug to a person under eighteen, or distributes the drug near school property.