Medicines and drugs Stimulants

stimulants nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines the intention of these drugs is to have similar effects to adrenaline which is a natural stimulant. amphetamines can do this because they have similar structures to adrenaline.

stimulants affect central nervous system; act on the level of neurotransmitters which are chemicals that acts as messengers and stimulate pathways which … …increases activity of the brain largely opposite to depressants which decrease activity in the nervous system

physiological effects short termlong term  increased heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate  dilation of pupils  constriction of arteries  sweating  increased alertness and concentration  decreased appetite  stimulating effects.  increased risk of heart disease  increased blood pressure  coronary thrombosis  stomach ulcers.  tolerance:  increasing amounts cause damage/death/overdose/letha l dose

amphetamines group of drugs which mimic the effect of adrenaline classified as symphatomimetic drug as it stimulates the symphatetic nervous system adrenaline or epinephrine = hormone released in times of stress e.g. pain, cold, fear, … response to increased adrenaline in the body: increased heart beat/blood pressure Increased blood flow to brain and muscles Increased air flow to lungs Increased mental alertness

compare Common: both amphetamines and epinephrine have a phenyl-ethyl-amine chain which consists of a benzene ring linked to an amine group by a carbon chain Different: functional groups amphetamines: primary amine epinephrine: 3 hydroxyl groups secondary amine

nicotine A nicotine molecule contains the following functional groups: a tertiary amine, aromatic benzene ring structures with nitrogen atoms in them, and double bonds (alkene functional group).

physiological effects nicotine short term effectslong term effects  increased heart rate  increased blood pressure  reduced urine output  increased concentration  increased risk of cancer or stroke  heart disease / thrombosis  stomach ulcers  emphysema  bronchitis  shortage of breath  coughing  bad breath  yellowing of teeth or fingers  adverse effect on pregnancy  addiction to tobacco  reduction in capacity of blood to carry oxygen;  withdrawal symptoms / weight gain (on quitting);

caffeine Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant. When consumed in large amounts it can cause anxiety, irritability and sleeplessness. It is a weak diuretic i.e. causes the body to lose more water than it takes in Its structure is similar to nicotine.

structure of caffeine aromatic rings containing both carbon and nitrogen – like nicotine tertiary amine group two amide groups (- N – C = O)

caffeine consumption in small amounts large amounts increased mental alertness greater ability to concentrate diuretic; dehydration can cause anxiety, irritability, nausea dependence