Definition:
Stimulants increase the level of activity in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and/or the cardiovascular system.
Stimulants generally increase alertness, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and energy level.
Some stimulants are used as medicines (methyphenidate for attention deficit disorder), while others are considered to be drugs of abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine)
Patients with high blood pressure should be especially careful with respect to stimulants, as large increases in blood pressure are possible.
