{"id":4139,"date":"2023-08-02T05:28:15","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T05:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=4139"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:36:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:36:55","slug":"stimulants","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/stimulants\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Stimulants? Types, Side Effects &amp; Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stimulants are a commonly used class of substances that can be used for medical purposes as well as abused.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulants are common substances. Many people take stimulants daily in the form of caffeinated coffee. Potent forms can be used to treat many different medical problems like narcolepsy, obesity and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Other forms are used illicitly to get high. This broad and powerful class of drugs activates the central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Stimulants?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulants are drugs that speed up the brain and body. They increase the level of dopamine and norepinephrine, common neurotransmitters. Norepinephrine, or noradrenaline, is a chemical responsible for activating the body\u2019s fight or flight system. In contrast, dopamine activates the brain\u2019s reward pathway. As a result, stimulants can be highly addictive, and many are classified under the Controlled Substance Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Stimulants Administered?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulants can be taken in different ways depending on the drug. Legal stimulants are taken by mouth, and many are meant to be taken whole. Illicit stimulants are typically smoked, snorted or injected to cause a high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Stimulants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some stimulants are legally available to treat medical conditions. A few are even available over the counter. However, others are illicit and are sold illegally in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prescription Stimulants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many different prescription stimulants are available. Most stimulants are controlled substances, meaning that they are associated with a risk of abuse, addiction, and dependence. These drugs are categorized from Schedule I to Schedule IV, with Schedule IV being the most highly addictive. Further, some prescription stimulants are not controlled substances at all, meaning that no risk of abuse, addiction or dependence has been proven. Prescription stimulants available in the United States include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Armodafinil<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name Nuvigil. It is mainly used for narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. The drug is a Schedule IV controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modafinil<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name Provigil. It is prescribed mainly for narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ergotamine and Caffeine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand names Cafergot and Miergot. The drug is mainly used for headaches. It is not a controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand names Adzenys, Dyavanel, and Evekeo. This drug is mainly used for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand names&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/adderall\/addiction\/\">Adderall<\/a>&nbsp;and Mydayis. It is mainly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dextroamphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand names Dexedrine, ProCentra, and Zenzedi. The drug is mainly used for narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dexmethylphenidate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name Focalin. The drug is mainly used for ADHD. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diethylpropion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mainly prescribed for obesity. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benzphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mainly prescribed for obesity. It is a Schedule III controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phentermine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira. It is mainly prescribed for obesity. The drug is a Schedule IV controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lisdexamfetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/vyvanse-addiction\/\">Vyvanse<\/a>. The drug is mainly used for ADHD and binge-eating disorder. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methamphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name Desoxyn. It is mainly used for narcolepsy and is a Schedule II controlled substance. However, much of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/meth\/\">methamphetamine<\/a>&nbsp;used in the United States is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pitolisant<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also sold under the brand name Wakix. It is used for narcolepsy. The drug is not a controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methylphenidate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mainly used for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/methylphenidate\/addiction\/\">Methylphenidate<\/a>&nbsp;is also sold under many brand names like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aptensio XR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Concerta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cotempla XR-ODT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daytrana<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jornay PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Metadate ER<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Methylin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">QuilliChew ER<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quillivant XR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relexxii<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ritalin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ritalin LA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, some stimulants are available without a prescription. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Caffeine products like coffee and soda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nicotine products including cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pseudoephedrine which is sold behind the counter at pharmacies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Illicit Stimulants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Illicit stimulants include many different drugs like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cocaine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/crack\/\">crack cocaine<\/a>. While there are legal medical uses for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/cocaine\/addiction\/\">cocaine<\/a>&nbsp;and it is a Schedule II substance, for this reason, most of the cocaine in the United States is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methamphetamine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like cocaine,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/meth\/addiction\/\">meth<\/a>&nbsp;is a Schedule II drug with some valid medical uses. However, most meth is illicit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Khat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This drug contains the Schedule I substance cathinone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bath Salts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They contain man-made&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/bath-salts\/addiction\/\">cathinone drugs<\/a>&nbsp;of which some are Schedule I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kratom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/kratom\/addiction\/\">It is<\/a>&nbsp;not illegal at the federal level but has been banned by some states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Do Stimulants Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulants can come in many different forms. Prescription stimulants are generally pills taken by mouth. However, illicit stimulants can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/drug_of_abuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">come<\/a>&nbsp;in more forms, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leaves and Twigs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These can be chewed. Khat is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/drug_of_abuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">often<\/a>&nbsp;sold as the leaves, shoots, and twigs of the shrub it comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Powders<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These can be snorted or swallowed. Cocaine and bath salts often come as a white powder and are snorted. Conversely, kratom often comes as a green powder and is swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crystals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are snorted or smoked. Meth often comes as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drugfreeva.org\/sink-or-swim\/drug-facts\/street-drugs\/meth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clear or bluish<\/a>&nbsp;crystals that look like ice or glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rocks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These can be smoked. Crack cocaine looks like small chunky rocks. The&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cesar.umd.edu\/cesar\/drugs\/crack.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">color<\/a>&nbsp;of crack rocks ranges from yellowish-white to yellow. The rocks are usually small and weigh only a&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cesar.umd.edu\/cesar\/drugs\/crack.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">few tenths of a gram<\/a>&nbsp;each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Liquids<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These can be injected. Many liquids are originally other dosage forms, like crystals, which are dissolved in a liquid base and then injected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Street Names for Stimulants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because so many stimulants are available, there are a wide variety of street names. While some refer to stimulants as a whole, others are drug-specific. Street names for stimulants&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/drug_of_abuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stimulant Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulant side effects&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/drug_of_abuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flushed skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Palpitations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stomach cramps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hostile behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Panic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aggression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Do Stimulants Stay in Your System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because so many different stimulants are available, the amount of time they stay in one\u2019s system varies. Among illicit stimulants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bath salts cause a high that can last&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/mdpv.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 3 hours<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Khat can cause a high that lasts&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/teens.drugabuse.gov\/blog\/post\/lets-talk-about-khat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 3 hours<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cocaine can cause a high that lasts&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/cocaine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 1 hour<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meth causes a high lasting&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2709797\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 12 hours<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prescription stimulants often last much longer than illicit stimulants because many of them are formulated to be long-acting. Because they start to work slowly, they also wear off very slowly, making them less likely to cause a high.&nbsp; For example, Ritalin LA takes about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=effd952d-ac94-47bb-b107-589a4934dcca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 hours<\/a>&nbsp;to reach its greatest effect. It takes 3.5&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=effd952d-ac94-47bb-b107-589a4934dcca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3.5 hours<\/a>&nbsp;for half of Ritalin LA to wear off, and it can take about 17.5 hours for Ritalin LA to completely leave the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Stimulants Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stimulants can be highly addictive. For this reason, some stimulants like khat are Schedule I controlled substances and are illegal. Even among legal stimulants like ADHD drugs, the majority are Schedule II controlled substances, meaning that they have a high risk of abuse and dependence despite their medical use. By triggering the release of brain chemicals like dopamine in the brain\u2019s reward pathway, stimulants can lead to both addiction and physical dependence. This can make them not only prone to misuse but very difficult to stop taking without help.<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stimulants are a commonly used class of substances that can be used for medical purposes as well as abused. Stimulants are common substances. Many people take stimulants daily in the form of caffeinated coffee. Potent forms can be used to treat many different medical problems like narcolepsy, obesity and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Other [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4139","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"written_by":319,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":289,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>12\/29\/22<\/b>","page_first_published_date":null,"page_last_edit_date":null,"highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\"><b>888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"U.S. Department of Justice; Drug Enforcement Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/drug_of_abuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drugs of Abuse<\/a>.\u201d 2017. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nCenter for Substance Abuse Research. \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cesar.umd.edu\/cesar\/drugs\/crack.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crack Cocaine<\/a>.\u201d October 29, 2013. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nSink or Swim. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/drugfreeva.org\/sink-or-swim\/drug-facts\/street-drugs\/meth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meth<\/a>.\u201d Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrug Enforcement Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/mdpv.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)<\/a>.\u201d July 2019. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nBellum, Sara. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/teens.drugabuse.gov\/blog\/post\/lets-talk-about-khat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Let\u2019s Talk About Khat<\/a>.\u201d National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, April 23, 2014. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nNational Institute on Drug Abuse. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/cocaine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cocaine<\/a>.\u201d July 2018. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nHuestis, Marilyn A; Cone, Edward J. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2709797\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Methamphetamine Disposition in Oral Fluid, Plasma, and Urine<\/a>.\u201d Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, March 1, 2007. Accessed October 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nU.S. National Library of Medicine. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=effd952d-ac94-47bb-b107-589a4934dcca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ritalin LA<\/a>.\u201d January 31, 2019. Accessed October 26, 2019."},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":319},{"staff_member_title":"Medically Reviewed By","select_staff_member":289}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4139"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4139\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/481"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/289"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}