Pharmaceutical Stimulants

Category: Stimulants

Examples of chemical names (and their respective trade names) include: amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). Pharmaceutical stimulants are most commonly prescribed in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), but they have also been used in the treatment of narcolepsy and mild depression. Pharmaecutical stimulants are also used recreationally or outside of their prescribed use by many individuals.

• For more information about amphetamines, click here.

*Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person.*

Effects on brain:

Short term:

• Stimulants cause an increased release of the neurotransmitter dopamine which causes increased feelings of pleasure.

• Coming soon

Effects on body:

Short term:

• Possible immediate effects include sweating, dilated pupils, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, tremors, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, narrowing of blood vessels causing decrease in blood flow and flow of oxygen to the heart.

• Possible long term effects include weight loss, insomnia, exhaustion, heart problems, seizures, physical addiction and withdrawal symptoms is drug use is stopped.

Effects on behaviour:

Short term:

• Possible immediate effects include increased concentration, panic, anxiety, aggression, hostility, violence and paranoia.

• Possible long-term effects include paranoia, aggression, panic, hostility, violence and triggering of underlying psychological problems.

Addiction: Physical and psychological addiction can occur.

Tolerance: Coming soon

Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms occur when stimulant use is stopped and include, depression, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping.

*Disclaimer! Nothing you do can make using unprescribed pharmaceuticals completely safe. All drug use has inherent risks and dangers. The suggestions in this section can only help you reduce some of the associated risks. The best way to avoid the harms related to drug use is to not take the drug at all.*

• Recreational use of pharmaceuticals is illegal; therefore if you are caught possessing pharmaceuticals without a prescription from your doctor, or exchanging, buying or selling them, it can result in criminal charges.
• Drug use affects the developing mind and body differently than developed ones. Waiting until your mind and body have more fully developed before using substances can have long term health and mental benefits.
• Do not assume that a drug prescribed by a doctor to a friend will be safe for you to take as well. Pharmaceutical stimulants are prescribed only for individuals who need it, and can have adverse and dangerous effects on individuals for whom they are not prescribed.
• Similarly, if you have been prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants, avoid taking more than the prescribed dosage. Always talk to your doctor or a health professional before taking prescribed stimulants with other substances.
• Avoid sharing equipment (straws, syringes, spoons) since this could lead to transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV
• If injecting, use new, clean syringes and equipment. Prepare your shot on a clean surface. Clean the area you are planning to inject with soap and water or an alcohol pad. You can get clean injection supplies from a syringe exchange, a pharmacy, or your local health department. If you can’t get new needles, try smoking or snorting instead.
• Cleaning needles and works is not risk-free; it’s a last resort. Rinse with cool water 3 times, bleach for 30 seconds, then clean water 3 times.
• Regular injection can cause abscesses, collapsed veins, infections and other complications. Regular snorting can cause serious damage to the nose such as a chapped, runny nose, sinus infections, nose bleeds and developing a hole in the cartilage wall between nostrils.