Covers psychostimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil and cocaine, alongside nootropic agents like the racetams, citicoline and some dietary supplements. It sets out classification, then mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, drug interactions, therapeutic uses and pregnancy-related contraindications. A classification list and a short recap of key questions close the note.
Topic 34 of 93 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Pharmacology (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 9 sections, about 506 words (4 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.
In this note
Psychostimulants. Nootropic agents
Classification
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Side Effects
Drug Interactions
Therapeutic Uses
Contraindications
Key Recap
Psychostimulants. Nootropic agents
Psychostimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels.
Nootropic agents, also known as cognitive enhancers, are substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.
Classification
Psychostimulants
Amphetamine
Methamphetamine
Methylphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate
Modafinil
Armodafinil
Caffeine
Cocaine
Nootropic Agents
Racetams:
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam
Cholinergics:
Citicoline
Supplements:
Ashwagandha, Omega-3, L-Theanine
Pharmacodynamics
Amphetamines and Methylphenidate:
Increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, and inhibit their reuptake.
This increases their concentrations in the synaptic cleft, enhancing alertness, attention, and energy.
Modafinil and Armodafinil:
Enhance wakefulness by increasing dopaminergic signaling and blocking adenosine receptors, which reduces feelings of fatigue.
Cocaine:
Inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, leading to elevated levels of these neurotransmitters, producing strong stimulatory effects.
Racetams:
Enhance cognitive functions by modulating the activity of acetylcholine and glutamate.
Citicoline:
Modulates acetylcholine levels by providing a precursor for its synthesis in the brain.
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