Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are CNS Stimulants?

Britt Archer
Britt Archer

Healthy individuals might not give a second thought to their brain and spinal cord, but these organs together make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is responsible for sending messages, via electrical signals or chemicals, throughout the entire body. CNS stimulants, or central nervous system stimulants, “excite,”or speed up and increase the transmission of these signals.

CNS stimulants enter the body and are absorbed by receptors in the brain. The stimulants then trigger the release of certain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine or acetylcholine into the body via the blood. Some central nervous system stimulants act as antagonists, blocking other chemicals within the body to increase the action of others. Caffeine, for example, blocks adenosine receptors from absorbing the chemical, increasing the circulation of that chemical within the body, causing the person who ingested it to feel more awake and alert.

The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, receives and transmits signals to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is composed of the nerves in the organs and muscles of the body.
The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, receives and transmits signals to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is composed of the nerves in the organs and muscles of the body.

CNS stimulant drugs are used by doctors to treat a variety of ailments. Illnesses that cause the central nervous system to slow down, such as narcolepsy or depression, are sometimes treated using CNS stimulants. People with asthma or those who are obese are also sometimes treated using this class of drugs. Some, but not all, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication drugs are central nervous system stimulants.

CNS stimulants trigger the release of certain chemicals, such as serotonin.
CNS stimulants trigger the release of certain chemicals, such as serotonin.

Using a central nervous system medication to treat a condition such as ADHD may appear counterintuitive — those without ADHD feel less focused, but those with ADHD report the opposite. Scientists aren't sure why CNS stimulants have this effect on ADHD sufferers. There is no cure for ADHD, but the condition can be managed with central nervous system stimulants as well as other therapeutic measures.

Drugs that affect the central nervous system are often used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Drugs that affect the central nervous system are often used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Side effects of CNS stimulants include but are not limited to erratic heartbeat or a quickened pulse, lack of appetite, rapid weight loss and insomnia. Central nervous system medications can also promote a feeling of irritation, restlessness and a loss of focus or concentration, as well as hyperactivity. If a patient experiences chest pain, dizziness, extreme and sudden fatigue, fever, hives, seizure or uncontrolled movements while taking drugs of this class, he seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Some side effects of CNS stimulants require emergency medical attention.
Some side effects of CNS stimulants require emergency medical attention.

When used under a doctor's supervision, CNS stimulant medication can be a safe, effective way to manage certain disorders. When used improperly, CNS stimulants can become addictive. Due to the awake, alert feelings they promote, drugs that affect the central nervous system have a high potential for abuse. Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor about the best course of treatment and any related concerns.

Discussion Comments

cloudel

I am prone to developing CNS stimulants' side effects when taking medication. I used to take ephedrine as a nasal decongestant, and though it worked great, it sped up my heart and made me feel like something was wrong.

My heart actually started skipping beats and having an erratic rhythm while I was taking ephedrine. It kept me awake at night, and this troubled me, because I had wanted the decongestant in order to breathe more easily so I could get some sleep.

I had to stop taking it. Even though it was the only thing that worked to unclog my sinuses, I couldn't escape the feeling that I might have a heart attack or pass out.

shell4life

In my opinion, caffeine is the best of the natural CNS stimulants available. You can determine how much you get just by drinking a smaller or larger cup of coffee, and you don't have to take a pill in order to receive it.

One cup of coffee does it for me in the mornings. It makes me alert enough to drive to work, and it washes away the haze of my dreams.

I know people who drink two or three cups a day, but I could not handle that. I once had two cups, and I started getting shaky and nervous.

giddion

@feasting – I thought the same thing. However, my husband is taking a prescription stimulant for his ADHD, and it is working wonders.

I guess that since he is naturally stimulated already, the medication has the opposite effect on him. He calms down a lot, and he can actually complete one task before moving on to another, which is something he never could do before.

The medication also keeps him from being quite so hyper. He can listen to me when I talk without interrupting or drifting off in a thought pattern of his own, and he performs better at work, too.

feasting

That's so weird that CNS stimulation works for ADHD patients! I have met several people with this disorder who are not taking any medication, and they are already very stimulated naturally. They are flitting about and bouncing off the walls.

I just can't imagine a person like this taking a stimulant of any kind! It seems like this would make them speed up so much that it would kill them.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, receives and transmits signals to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is composed of the nerves in the organs and muscles of the body.
      By: snapgalleria
      The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, receives and transmits signals to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is composed of the nerves in the organs and muscles of the body.
    • CNS stimulants trigger the release of certain chemicals, such as serotonin.
      By: snyggg.de
      CNS stimulants trigger the release of certain chemicals, such as serotonin.
    • Drugs that affect the central nervous system are often used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
      By: Alliance
      Drugs that affect the central nervous system are often used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
    • Some side effects of CNS stimulants require emergency medical attention.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some side effects of CNS stimulants require emergency medical attention.
    • CNS stimulants may be at high risk for abuse because of the way they affect the central nervous system.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      CNS stimulants may be at high risk for abuse because of the way they affect the central nervous system.
    • Side effects of CNS stimulants may include lack of appetite.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      Side effects of CNS stimulants may include lack of appetite.