Stimulants

What are Stimulants?

  • Stimulants are drugs that increase focus, awareness, and activity. Often times, people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders are prescribed stimulants. 
  • Examples of stimulants include:
    • Adderall (dextroamphetamine & amphetamine)
    • Meth (methamphetamine)
    • MDMA or ecstasy/molly (methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
    • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
    • Cocaine
    • Marijuana
    • Caffeine

What Can Lead to a Stimulant Overdose?

  • Taking multiple stimulants together
  • Stimulants and depressants can mask each other’s effects. Because one may not feel the effects of the stimulant when taking it with a depressant (such as alcohol), they may end up taking in too much stimulant. This can result in a stimulant overdose.

What Are Signs of a Stimulant Overdose?

  • Uncontrollable movements and over-activity
  • Increased/abnormal breathing and heart rate
  • Increased body temperature, resulting in flushed skin and sweating
  • Feelings of anger, confusion, and unease
  • Hallucinations
  • Aches, pains, and stomach cramps
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Overdose can lead to heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and death

How Can You Help?

  • Call 911 and get medical attention immediately
  • Keep watch over the person, tracking heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature 
  • Keep the person awake and conscious until help arrives
  • Bring them to a safe place and keep them calm
  • If they are having a seizure, do not try to restrain them. Make sure the area around them is clear.
  • Keep the person cool (such as with ice or cool compresses)
  • Make sure the person is receiving enough air
  • Make sure they don’t drive/bike

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