Which option is a stimulant?

Which option is a stimulant?

• A. Barbiturate
• B. Cocaine
• C. Amphetamine
• D. LSD

Answer: (C)

Stimulants push activity up in the central nervous system, increasing alertness, energy, and physiological arousal. Amphetamine does this by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and blocking their reuptake, which boosts focus, wakefulness, and energy. That mechanism and the resulting effects make it a classic example of a stimulant, and it’s used medically for ADHD and narcolepsy, though it also has abuse potential. Barbiturates, by contrast, depress CNS activity and produce sedation. LSD is a hallucinogen that mainly alters perception and thoughts rather than providing general stimulant effects. Cocaine is another stimulant, but in this context the option identified as the stimulant is amphetamine.

Stimulants push activity up in the central nervous system, increasing alertness, energy, and physiological arousal. Amphetamine does this by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and blocking their reuptake, which boosts focus, wakefulness, and energy. That mechanism and the resulting effects make it a classic example of a stimulant, and it’s used medically for ADHD and narcolepsy, though it also has abuse potential. Barbiturates, by contrast, depress CNS activity and produce sedation. LSD is a hallucinogen that mainly alters perception and thoughts rather than providing general stimulant effects. Cocaine is another stimulant, but in this context the option identified as the stimulant is amphetamine.