StimulantsStimulants

“Chemical Uppers”

PharmacologyPharmacology Administration

– Ingestion– Injection– Inhalation

Action– Causes release of excitatory neurotransmitter –

norepinephrine, dopamine, adrenaline– Prevents release of inhibitory neurotransmitter -

adenosine

Physiological EffectsPhysiological Effects

Increase CNS activity – alertness Increase concentration Increase heart rate Increase blood pressure Increase metabolism Decrease appetite Euphoria

Psychological EffectsPsychological Effects

Decrease perception of fatigue Feel stronger, more decisive, & more self-

possessed Feelings of paranoia, hallucinations, moodswings,

anxiety, and irritability possible

CocaineCocaine Natural stimulant; made from coca leaves Only medical use is throat or nasal surgery Purity? Administration / Effects

– “Snorted” – onset in 3-5 min, lasts 20-40 min.– Intravenous administration – lasts 10 min.

Adverse effects– Irregular heart beat

“Crack” – form of cocaine; formed into crystals then smoked; effects seen in seconds

AmphetaminesAmphetamines Medical uses

– Narcolepsy– Hyperactivity– Appetite suppressant

Recreational uses – mood altering effects (“pep”) Athletic uses

– Increase blood flow to muscles– Decrease sense of fatigue– Improve reaction time– Go beyond normal physiological limit– Increase time of productive work

XanthinesXanthines Blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter Caffeine –

– Most common stimulant; many consider it harmless– of the xanthines has greatest stimulant effects

Theophylline – Found in tea– Used as active ingredient in some OTC bronchodilators

Theobromine– Small stimulant effect– Found in Chocolate

Physiological Effects of CaffeinePhysiological Effects of Caffeine Increase metabolism Increase blood pressure Increase heart rate Decrease appetite Increased alertness, decrease fatigue Vasoconstriction in the brain Diuresis Increase stomach acid release

Other Effects of CaffeineOther Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal symptoms

Caffeine & Diseases

Ergogenic effects?– IOC - 12µg/ml– NCAA - 15µg/ml

EphedrineEphedrine

From Ephedra shrub Found in many natural health products – Ma

Huang & OTC products – asthma, weight loss– FDA approval for asthma and decongestant– Substitute for MDMA (“ecstasy”)

Effects of EphedrineEffects of Ephedrine

Physiological effects– Broncholilator, increase heart rate, increase blood

pressure

Side effects– Dizziness, irritability, anxiety

Adverse effects– Stroke, heart attack, seizures, liver failure, insomnia,

risk increases if used with caffeine

Banned by IOC & NCAA