Stimulants are drugs that increase central nervous system activity. Which of the following is an example of a stimulant?

Stimulants are drugs that increase central nervous system activity. Which of the following is an example of a stimulant?

• A. Cocaine
• B. Diazepam
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Diphenhydramine

Answer: (A)

Stimulants raise central nervous system activity, leading to increased alertness, energy, and arousal. Cocaine fits this pattern because it blocks the reuptake of dopamine (and other monoamines) in brain circuits, causing a surge of neurotransmitters in synapses and a noticeable boost in energy and alertness. The other options don’t produce that stimulatory effect: diazepam is a depressant that enhances GABA’s inhibitory signals, resulting in relaxation and sedation; ibuprofen acts mainly as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic with little to no CNS stimulation; diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that often causes drowsiness and sedation. So cocaine is the example of a stimulant.

Stimulants raise central nervous system activity, leading to increased alertness, energy, and arousal. Cocaine fits this pattern because it blocks the reuptake of dopamine (and other monoamines) in brain circuits, causing a surge of neurotransmitters in synapses and a noticeable boost in energy and alertness. The other options don’t produce that stimulatory effect: diazepam is a depressant that enhances GABA’s inhibitory signals, resulting in relaxation and sedation; ibuprofen acts mainly as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic with little to no CNS stimulation; diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that often causes drowsiness and sedation. So cocaine is the example of a stimulant.