Central nervous system stimulants and anorectic agents

Abstract

This chapter discusses central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and anorectic agents. One of the principal and most serious side effects of certain CNS stimulants is their influence on mental status, mood and behavior, opening a door to abuse of these drugs and to narcomania. This represents a complex medical, social, and legal challenge. Therefore, several CNS stimulants have been scheduled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances and their use has been banned or restricted in a number of countries. From the international legal point of view, the stimulants fall into two groups; the first comprises those that are subject to special national and international controls and the second, those that are not subject to such special controls. In view, however, of the nature and mode of action of stimulants and their effects on the CNS, even the latter group must be regarded with caution because any of them may become the object of addiction and misuse in particular situations. Restrictive legislation has promoted cautious use of stimulant drugs in medical practice, but the continuing availability of various non-prescription stimulants in some countries for a variety of indications still provides a potential for abuse and for drug-induced morbidity and mortality.