Types of psychostimulants (or psychoanaleptics)

These substances cause our brain to enter a state of increased activation and vigilance.

We go out partying and want to dance the night away. We have to study for an exam or hand in a project in too short a time frame. In these and similar situations one's physical and/or mental energy can quickly diminish to the point of exhaustion.

Some people, conscious of this fact or simply for recreational purposes, decide to consume substances to elevate their energy, decide to consume substances to elevate their level of activation and mood.. These substances that maintain or raise the level of activation are called psychostimulants, being in many cases substances with an enormous addictive potential.

But the concept of "psychostimulant" does not refer to a specific, well-defined class of substance. Rather, there are different types of psychostimulants which are studied from both clinical psychology and psychiatry. Let us see what they are and their characteristics.

Psychostimulants or psychoanaleptics

Psychostimulants are a group of substances with psychoactive substances with psychoactive effects whose main effect is to produce an increase in brain activation.. This increase generally produces an alteration and acceleration of activity and mood, as well as metabolism. Also called psychoanaleptics, the type of alteration they cause involves a state of stimulation that is subjectively perceptible by the sufferer, without affecting the state of consciousness.

The effect of these substances is mainly due to their interaction with the mechanisms of reuptake or release of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and noradrenaline. For this reason they are highly addictive substancesby greatly affecting the brain's reward mechanism.

The use of these substances can be derived from a great number of factors. Sometimes they are used in medicine for the treatment of some disorders, being used as anesthetics or for their effects on behavior.They are used as anesthetics or for their effects on behavior. In many cases their use is merely recreational, running the risk of abusive consumption, suffering intoxication and generating withdrawal syndromes (in which the opposite effects to those generated by intoxication appear).

Because they increase the level of physical and mental activity, they are sometimes used to improve physical performance or maintain physical capacity. improve physical performance or maintain the ability to concentrate while studying.. Other substances included in this group are frequently consumed in the regular diet, precisely because of their stimulant effects, or they are started and continue to be consumed due to social reinforcement.

Main types of psychostimulants

The group of substances known as psychostimulants is made up of several substances that have in common the increased stimulation and activity they cause. The main components of this category are cocaine, amphetamines include cocaine, amphetamines, xanthines and nicotine..

The first two and their derivatives are considered major stimulants, generally consumed illegally and for recreational purposes, although in some cases they are used medically to treat certain disorders and symptoms. The last two, xanthines and nicotine, are considered minor psychostimulants because they cause a lower (albeit more controllable) stimulation.

Cocaine

Initially developed for medicinal purposes, this psycho-stimulant obtained from the plant Erythrosylon coca is one of the best known and most dangerous plant-based stimulant substances, as well as being among the most addictive drugs.

Cocaine acts at the neurochemical level by by blocking the reuptake of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, producing a profound effect, especially in the brain.producing a profound effect especially on dopaminergic transmission. Dopamine being one of the main responsible for the brain reward system, this makes it a substance with a high addictive potential.

Generally consumed by nasal aspiration, its administration produces important behavioral changes surprisingly quickly. After consumption euphoria and hyperexcitation appear, disinhibiting the behavior and causing perceptual changes and provoking perceptive changes and even in some cases hallucinations. The subject's vivacity increases, increasing at a physical level the Heart rate and tension. Feelings of grandeur appear, which together with the expansive mood can lead to aggressiveness. The effects last relatively short-lived.

They are also well known for their effects in combating the sensations of hunger and cold, as well as inhibiting pain. For this reason it has been used as an analgesic and even used by the army during great war conflicts, such as the First World War.

The appearance of dependence to this type of psychostimulant is frequent, as well as intoxications and withdrawal syndromes.. In the latter case, the effects are the opposite of those caused by consumption: lowering of mood, which can lead to depressive symptoms and anhedonia, fatigue, hypersomnia, hypothermia, intense hunger and compulsive craving for the drug.

2. Amphetamines

Popularized among soldiers during World War II for their ability to combat low mood and reduce fatigue, amphetamines are a type of psychostimulant with effects similar to cocaine..

It initially produces a feeling of well-being or "high" followed by behavioral and social disinhibition, hyperactivity and poor reasoning ability.

It also has a bronchodilator effect and decreases appetite. Its mechanism of action also affects the monoaminesacting mainly on dopamine and noradrenaline by blocking their reuptake. However, in addition to blocking reuptake, they cause a greater quantity to be released, so that the effects last longer than those of cocaine. As it lasts longer, the consumption is more distant in time. Even so, there is still a high risk of dependence on this type of substance.

In spite of this, amphetamine derivatives are used medically to treat a wide range of disorders.. Specifically, its effects have been used in the treatment of obesity, narcolepsy and initially it was used as a treatment for asthma, although over time it has been used to administer other substances.

Although it may seem strange due to the high level of activity that many of those who suffer from it present, another disorder in which an amphetamine derivative is used is ADHD, since they increase the ability to concentrate and produce an improvement in symptoms.

3. Xanthines

Although the name xanthine may not mean anything at first, the substances grouped under this name are some of the most consumed by the majority of the population. We are talking about caffeine, theophylline or theobromine, mainly coffee, tea and chocolate.Theobromine: mainly coffee, tea and chocolate, although they can also be found in soft drinks and energy drinks.

These products are consumed en masse by most of the population in relatively low doses, with little likelihood of dependence, abuse or abstinence problems. Their main effects are an increase in the level of activity, a decrease in tiredness and fatigue and fatigue and a slight improvement in mood.

The action of xanthines is mainly due to an antagonist action on adenosineThis action would result in an increased presence and transmission of catecholamines (including dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin).

In the case of caffeine, cases of physiological dependence and rebound effect after stopping caffeine intake have been found. Excessive or prolonged consumption can cause anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia or accelerated thinking. Although in excessive doses it can cause death due to respiratory failure, the amount needed is so high that it is not likely.

4. Nicotine

When we think of someone who smokes, we usually imagine someone who tries to relax by smoking. However, although it may seem paradoxical although it may seem paradoxical, nicotine is actually an excitatory substance, producing an indirect effect on the body.producing an indirect effect on dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. That is why it is included among the main types of psychostimulants.

Extracted from the plant Nicotiana tabacumnicotine acts by producing an increase in neuronal activity by acting on certain acetylcholine receptors called nicotinic receptors, increasing neuronal excitability. With this, the neurotransmitters, especially neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, are released more easily.. Moreover, as is well known, it is a highly addictive substance.

The fact that many people consider smoking to be relaxing is due to the fact that the behavioral effects of this substance vary according to the dose and pattern of consumption. At low doses the excitatory effect is more visible producing disinhibition and a higher level of activity, alertness and performance.. 

However, if nicotine consumption is very high or prolonged over time, neurons are overexcited and end up generating a depressant effect on the nervous system, which behaviorally becomes sedative or tranquilizer.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Masson, Barcelona.

• Salazar, M.; Peralta, C.; Pastor, J. (2006). Manual de Psicofarmacología. Madrid, Editorial Médica Panamericana.

• Santos, J.L. ; García, L.I. ; Calderón, M.A. ; Sanz, L.J. ; de los Ríos, P. ; Izquierdo, S. ; Román, P. ; Hernangómez, L. ; Navas, E. ; Ladrón, A and Álvarez-Cienfuegos, L. (2012). Psicología Clínica. Manual CEDE de Preparación PIR, 02. CEDE. Madrid.