Stimulants increase the activity of either the sympathetic nervous system, the central nervous system (CNS) or both. Some stimulants produce a sense of euphoria, in particular the stimulants which exert influence on the CNS. Stimulants are used therapeutically to increase or maintain alertness, to counteract fatigue in situations where sleep is not practical (e.g.while operating vehicles), to counteract abnormal states that diminish alertness consciousness (such as in narcolepsy), to promote weight loss (phentermine) as well as to enhance the ability to concentrate in people diagnosed with attentional disruptions (especially ADHD). Occasionally, they are also used to treat depression. Stimulants are sometimes used to boost endurance and productivity as well as to suppress appetite, therefore also known to promote eating disorders such as anorexia if abused. The euphoria produced by some stimulants leads to their recreational use, although this is illegal in the majority of jurisdictions. Caffeine, found in beverages such as coffee and soft drinks, as well as nicotine, which is found in tobacco, are among some of the world's most commonly used stimulants. Examples of other well known stimulants include ephedrine, amphetamines, cocaine, methylphenidate, MDMA, and modafinil.
(From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulant)
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