Central Nervous System Stimulants (CNS Stimulants)

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the brain and spinal cord. They primarily work by increasing the levels or activity of certain neurotransmitters, most notably dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. They are used therapeutically for conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and certain sleep disorders. Many CNS stimulants have a significant potential for misuse and abuse.

Other names

StimulantsPsychostimulants

Increase the activity of the brain and spinal cord by increasing the levels or activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and sometimes serotonin. Mechanisms include increasing neurotransmitter release, blocking neurotransmitter reuptake, acting as agonists at specific receptors (e.g., TAAR1), and blocking inhibitory autoreceptors (e.g., histamine H3 receptors).