Stimulant medications are drugs that increase alertness and attention. They also elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Stimulants are used to treat many conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic lethargy, narcolepsy, and obesity. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine), methylphenidate, and modafinil.

Cognitive-enhancing drugs serve a similar purpose, increasing memory, alertness, and attention. These drugs are used to treat Alzheimer disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders.

After listening to this AudioBrick, you should be able to:

Name conditions for which stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs are used as treatment.

Describe the mechanism of action of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.

List the main examples of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.

Describe the significant adverse effects of stimulants and cognitive-enhancing drugs.

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