Stimulants
Stimulants, known as uppers, temporarily increase alertness and energy. Common examples include cocaine and amphetamines.
Prescription stimulants come in tablets or capsules and can be swallowed, injected in liquid form or crushed and snorted.
Some of the well‑known brand and street names are:
Brand Names
- Adderall
- Biphetamine
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
- Metadate
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
Street Names
- Bennies
- Black Beauties
- Crosses
- Hearts
- Jif
- Kibbles and Bits
- LA Turnaround
- R-Ball
- Skippy
- Speed
- The Smart Drug
- Truck Drivers
- Uppers
- Vitamin R
Stimulants: Short‑Term Effects
After an initial burst of energy, users soon experience exhaustion, apathy and depression—the “down” that follows the “up.” This exhaustion quickly leads the user to want the drug again. Soon he is not trying to get “high,” he is only trying to “get well”—meaning, to feel any energy at all.
Stimulants: Long‑Term Effects
Stimulants can be addictive. High doses of some stimulants over time can cause hostility or paranoia, dangerously elevated body temperatures and irregular heartbeat.
For more information about the abuse of prescription stimulants, see The Truth About Ritalin Abuse in this series of booklets.
How much do you really know about prescription drug abuse?
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