Classification of CNS Stimulants

Classification

1. Those drugs acting directly on the CNS:

Cortical stimulants: Xanthine alkaloids, amphetamine, methyl amphetamine, methyl phenidate, and pipradiol.

Medullary stimulants: Picrotoxin, nikethamide, amiphenazole, camphor, and carbon dioxide.

Spinal stimulants: Strychnine

2. Those that stimulate the CNS reflexly:

Lobeline, ammonia, veratrum, and nicotine.

According to the mode of action, analeptics may be divided into four groups. They are as follows:

1. Respiratory stimulants

2. Psychomotor stimulants

3. Convulsant stimulants

4. Psychomimetic drugs (hallucinogenic drugs)

A. Respiratory stimulants

B. Psychomotor stimulants or central stimulants (sympathomimetics)

a. β–Phenylethylamine derivatives (Amphetamine and related drugs)

b. Oxazolidinone derivatives

c. Morpholinones

d. Methylxanthines

e. Aminophylline

f. Dyphylline

C. Convulsants and stimulants

a. Pentylene tetrazole

b. Picrotoxin

c. Strychnine

d. Bisucuilline

e. Fluroethyl

CF3CH2–O–CH2CF3

D. Psychomimetic drugs (hallucinogenic drugs)

a. (+) Lysergic acid diethylamide

b. Indole derivatives

c. Phenylethylamine derivatives

d. Cannabis

e. Dissociate Agents

Phencyclidine HCl