Drug Abuse Of Cocaine and Other Psychostimulants

cocaine, an alkaloid extracted from coca leaves, and other psychostimulants (e.g., amphetamine, methamphetamine) rapidly increase the concentration of several neurotransmitters in synaptic junctions and stimulate the sympathetic and central nervous systems. Topical cocaine is used in otolaryngologic procedures, and psychostimulants are used either for their stimulant effects or for their paradoxical calming effect in some patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.