What Are CNS Drugs?

CNS drugs are pharmaceuticals that effect the central nervous system. The central nervous system encompasses the spinal column, the brain stem, and the brain. The drugs that work on the central nervous system can range from the caffeine in your coffee to illegal drugs like methamphetamines. There are also many drugs that work on the central nervous system to combat mental conditions like bipolar depression and Alzheimer's disease.

Caffeine

• Caffeine is the most common CNS drug and is most easily available. Caffeine works by blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain. By fitting into the adenosine receptors, the nerves release additional neurotransmitters from presynaptic sites. In doses under 200 mg, caffeine can increase mental performance and memory. However, doses over 200 mg only increase nervousness, irritability and even tremors in the peripheral nervous system.

Meth

• Methamphetamines are an illegal CNS drug that causes excessive release of norepineprhine throughout the entire nervous system. Norepineprhine increases the feeling of alertness and energy and inhibits the feeling of needing sleep, though it does not decrease the actual need for sleep. Unfortunately it is also highly addictive and can permanently damage nerve receptors.

Benzodiazepine

• Benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug that decreases anxiety and stress. Valium is a benzodiazepine-derived sedative. Benzodiazepine drugs work by increasing the efficacy of GABA transmitters in the brain, which reduces stress and makes the users feel relaxed. However, benzodiazepine is very powerful and has numerous side effects. It can make a person drowsy, cause surreal nightmares, and paradoxically make them hyper-aggressive. Over time, habitual benzodiazepine abusers will suffer a permanent loss of intelligence and even lose the ability to feel certain emotions.

Anti-Psychotics

• Anti-psychotics apply to a large family of dopamine-blocking psychoactive drugs. Anti-psychotics help keep the wide swings of emotions that psychotics feel from going too far. Some anti-psychotics also block the serotonin receptors, which helps deal with the down swings of psychosis. However, these drugs can also permanently alter the brain's structure over time, with debilitating effects.