What it means
A group of drugs that increase the activity of brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrinenor-ep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.Full entry . Methylphenidate and amphetamines are used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy; caffeine is a mild one. Side effects include poor appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, a fast heart rate and high blood pressure. The prescription stimulants are controlled substances because they can be misused.
For the nurse
Give doses in the morning or early afternoon to protect sleep. Check blood pressure, heart rate, weight and, in children, height. Store them securely and count them, because of the risk of misuse.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CNS (central nervous system) |
|---|---|
| Also written | psychostimulant, psychostimulants, CNS stimulants, CNS-stimulant |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
adrenergic
Relating to nerves and receptors that respond to epinephrine and norepinephrine, or a drug that acts like them.