The first cup of coffee before you rush off to work. That first sip of matcha after your morning workout. Most of us start our day with a stimulant drug. Stimulants are a class of drugs, sometimes called “uppers,” that trigger the central nervous system to increase neural activity in the brain. In other words, they speed up messages traveling between the brain and body. Although stimulants can have many benefits, the misuse or abuse of these drugs can potentially create significant physical and mental health problems.
Major Side Effects of Stimulants
Stimulants come in many forms, and they’re present in a variety of substances, including prescription drugs. Types of stimulants include caffeine and nicotine; medications (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta); and illicit drugs (speed, ecstasy, crystal meth, cocaine, crack).
The main side effects of stimulant use may include:
- Heightened feelings of well-being
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased alertness
- Sharper focus and attention
- Euphoria
- Reduced appetite
What are the major effects of stimulants on the nervous system?
Stimulants energize the sympathetic nervous system, which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. A dangerous spike in body temperature can also occur, especially when engaging in vigorous exercise.
Major stimulant effects include:
- Seizures
- Failure of breathing
- Hyperthermia
- Cardiovascular problems
- Death by drug overdose
Can too many stimulants make you sick?
Yes. Overusing stimulants significantly increases your heart rate. This may cause you to become jittery, restless, or anxious. You may experience chronic fatigue due to disrupted sleep or insomnia. Chills, nausea, and vomiting are also symptoms of excessive stimulant use. In extreme cases, hallucinations or delusions may occur.
What are the risk factors of stimulants?
Although they can provide many benefits, stimulants’ addictive nature can increase the risk of dependency. The use of prescription stimulants has risen significantly in the United States over the past two decades. They’re commonly used to treat many conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults.
Stimulants influence your brain’s dopamine system and may cause the body to significantly reduce its natural production of these neurotransmitters. This tolerance to dopamine means the brain becomes less sensitive to it and, in turn, less sensitive to the stimulant’s effects. This vicious cycle can potentially lead to dependency and develop into a stimulant use disorder.
Long-term stimulant use can lead to:
- Nasal and lung damage
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
How do stimulants affect the heart?
Stimulants elevate blood pressure, which ignites the central nervous system and makes the heart work harder. New research suggests stimulants cause a short-term spike in the risk of developing heart attacks, strokes, and heart rhythm disorders.
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, adults 66 and older taking stimulant medication were compared to adults similar in age and health status who weren’t taking any stimulant drugs. The study yielded that, on average, stimulant users were 40% more likely to end up in emergency departments or hospitals with serious heart complications within 30 days of starting the drug.
Another study in Sweden included nearly 300,000 people, ages 6 to 64, who had an ADHD diagnosis. Overall, the results suggested that heart disease risk was 23% higher for people who used ADHD stimulant medication as compared to those who didn’t.
What is stimulant dysphoria?
Dysphoria, a word derived from ancient Greek, means a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction. A dysphoric mood state is a common withdrawal symptom from stimulant drugs, which perpetuates the vulnerability to dependence as well as the potential for relapse. When people who are dependent on stimulants stop “cold turkey,” a withdrawal syndrome begins.
Common symptoms of stimulant dysphoria include:
- Depression, irritability, or anxiety
- Diminished interest or pleasure in daily life
- Disturbances of appetite and sleep
- Fatigue and/or loss of energy
- Diminished ability to concentrate
- Feelings of guilt, self‐blame, or suicidal ideation
The Next Step Toward Freedom from Addiction at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Avenue Psychiatry, we provide evidence-based therapy for addiction treatment in a private and confidential space without disrupting our clients’ professional lives. We are a team of highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists who are committed to providing the highest quality of care.
Call us today, and we will design a personalized program just for you.
