Central nervous system stimulant effect

"Central nervous system stimulant effect" refers broadly to the class of pharmacological actions by which drugs and agents increase neuronal activity within the CNS. Such effects are mediated through a variety of mechanisms, most commonly by raising synaptic levels of excitatory neurotransmitters—especially dopamine and norepinephrine—via enhanced release, reuptake inhibition, or receptor activation. This results in increased alertness, attention, and energy, but can also lead to adverse effects like addiction, cardiovascular risk, or psychiatric symptoms. Well-known CNS stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil, caffeine, cocaine, and others. This term is descriptive of a drug effect, not of a unique molecular entity or actionable drug target.

Other names

CNS stimulant effectStimulant effectPsychostimulant effect

Elevation of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, Blocking dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake, Antagonism of adenosine receptors, Agonism/activation of adrenergic receptors