Stimulants and Hallucinogens

Gold, L.H. Koob, G.F. and Geyer, M.A. Stimulant and hallucinogenic behavioral profiles of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and N-ethyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE) in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 247 547-555, 1988. 

See Chap. 68, Substance-Related Disorders Overview and Depressants, Stimulants, and Hallucinogens, authored by Paul L. Doering and Lisa Boothby, and Chap. 69, Substance-Related Disorders Alcohol, Nicotine, and Caffeine, authored by Paul L. Doering, W. Klugh Kennedy, and Lisa A. Boothby, for a more detailed discussion of the topic. 

Ecstasy has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. The effects of the drug begin approximately 20-60 minutes after taking it and usually last for 3-4 hours, but sometimes longer. 

Kefauver-Harris Drug Amendments passed to ensure drug efficacy and greater drug safety in response to the thalidomide birth defects disaster. 1965 Drug Abuse Control Amendments are enacted to deal with problems of abuse of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. 

Drug Abuse Control Amendments are enacted to deal with problems caused by abuse of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. 

The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare s Bureau of Drug Abuse Control was responsible for the control of dangerous drugs, including depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). 

The effects of MDMA and MDA are both stimulating and hallucinogenic. The drugs have become very popular at raves, where young adults gather to dance and do drugs for hours. Users report that MDMA not only produces stimulation and euphoria but also increased tactile sensation as well as loss of inhibitions. 

Many alkaloids are toxic and act as feeding deterrents (E 5.1, E 5.5.3) or antimicrobial products (E 5.4). Due to their physiological activity several alkaloids are used in the materia medica (F 2), as stimulants and hallucinogens (F 3). Some plant alkaloids lure specialized insects to their food source (E 5.5.3) and in a modified form may be used as insect pheromones (E 4). 

Man was confronted with and has used secondary products since ancient times. When gathering his food he was attracted by certain secondary products and repelled by others. He used secondary substances to cure diseases, to poison animals (and human beings) and to enjoy stimulants and hallucinogens. He processed cellulosic fibers to make clothes and he used wood, a mixture of cellulose and lignin, for building homes and cooking meals. 

Table 79. Secondary plant products used as stimulants and hallucinogens...

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