🎄
Happy holidays sale SAVE up to 25% NOW
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Neurology, Ophthalmology & Otology
/
CNS Stimulants
/
CNS Stimulants

Master CNS Stimulants with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
CNS Stimulants

CNS Stimulants

CNS-Brain with Stim-Mule drink
Picmonic
CNS stimulants are drugs such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine, which are used for ADHD and weight loss. The main mechanism by which these drugs work is to increase catecholamine, such as NE and dopamine, availability at the synaptic cleft. Another, minor, mechanism by which these drugs work is by inhibiting reuptake of NE and dopamine, further increasing their bioavailability. CNS stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD, but have also been useful in treating obese patients, as they decrease appetite and lead to weight loss. Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed CNS stimulant, used for ADHD, and methamphetamine is a controlled drug used for weight loss. The major side effect for these drugs is a high potential for abuse and addictivity.
8 KEY FACTS
INDICATIONS
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
AD-HeaD with ADHD

CNS stimulant drugs are primarily used to treat ADHD or ADD. This is typically prescribed to help increase concentration and focus while at school or work.

Obesity
Obese

Obese patients may often be prescribed CNS stimulants, as these medications can be used to promote weight loss. This is because CNS stimulants decrease appetite in patients.

MECHANISM OF ACTION
Increase Catecholamines at Synaptic Cleft
Up-arrow Cat-cola at Synapse Gap

The main mechanism by which amphetamines cause stimulation is via the direct release of catecholamines from storage vesicles in presynaptic cells, leading to increased NE and dopamine. Another, minor, mechanism by which these drugs increase NE and dopamine bioavailability is by inhibiting their reuptake.

Increase Norepinephrine
Up-arrow North-epi-pen

These drugs cause stimulatory effects in the patient by increasing presynaptic vesicle release of catecholamines, one of them being NE.

Increase Dopamine
Up-arrow Doberman

These drugs increase dopamine by inducing the release of catecholamine-containing storage vesicles. Dopamine's bioavailability is also increased by blocking its reuptake with these drugs.

DRUG NAMES
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Metal-phoenix

Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed drug used to treat ADHD and ADD, and is for improving concentration and focus. Off label uses include combating obesity, lethargy and depression.

Methamphetamine
Moth-amp-feet

Methamphetamine is a controlled CNS stimulant medication used to treat obesity. Off label uses of this drug include narcolepsy and depression.

SIDE EFFECT
Potential for Abuse
Abusing Stim-mule

These drugs are often abused for recreational use and can be highly addictive.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
CNS Stimulant Side Effects
picmonic thumbnail
Amphetamine Antidote
picmonic thumbnail
CNS Stimulant Indications
picmonic thumbnail
Cocaine Intoxication Assessment
picmonic thumbnail
Amphetamines Intoxication Assessment

Take the CNS Stimulants Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,990,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.