What are the effects of prescription stimulants?

Howard J. Shaffer, PhD

Addiction Medicine

Stimulants boost alertness, attention, and energy. They also ward off sleep and suppress appetite. Misuse of these drugs, which typically involves crushing and snorting the pills, can produce a buzz or sense of power and euphoria. Stimulants can also lead to agitation and paranoia; in rare cases, stimulants can cause life-threatening rises in heart rate and blood pressure.

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