Central Nervous System Stimulants

Comprehensive Substance Reference & Harm Reduction Guide

GUIDE-WIDE SAFETY NOTICE: This guide is for recognition, harm-reduction, and emergency-reference purposes. Appearance alone cannot reliably identify a substance. Counterfeit pills, powders, vapes, edibles, and street mixtures may contain unexpected drugs. Do not taste, smell closely, burn, or handle an unknown substance to identify it. If poisoning is possible, contact Poison Control (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or 911 for severe symptoms.

2. Central Nervous System Stimulants

Substance	Appearance, Route & Intoxication	Physical Side Effects	Severe Toxicity / Overdose & Response
Methamphetamine	Clear/jagged crystals or coarse white powder. Smoked, snorted, injected, swallowed. Dilated pupils, intense energy, rapid speech, sweating, jaw clenching.	Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, dry mouth, tremor, appetite loss, insomnia, overheating.	Overdose: Chest pain, dangerous blood pressure, arrhythmia, seizure, stroke, hyperthermia, extreme paranoia. Response: 911 for severe symptoms, reduce stimulation, cool if overheated, avoid forceful restraint.
Cocaine / Crack	Cocaine: fine white powder. Crack: hard off-white/tan rocks. Snorted, smoked, injected. Dilated pupils, talkativeness, restlessness.	Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, dilated pupils, tremor, nasal/lung irritation.	Overdose: Chest pain, heart attack, stroke, seizures, severe agitation, dangerous overheating. Response: 911 for chest pain, seizures, collapse, or overheating. Keep calm and cool.
Amphetamine / Adderall	Prescription tablets/capsules with imprints. Oral. Increased alertness, rapid speech, dilated pupils.	Reduced appetite, dry mouth, high heart rate/BP, sweating, tremor, insomnia, jaw tension.	Overdose: Very high heart rate/BP, chest pain, hyperthermia, seizure, psychosis. Response: 911 for severe cardiovascular/neurological symptoms. Calm, cool environment.
Lisdexamfetamine / Vyvanse	Prescription capsules/chewable tablets. Oral. Increased wakefulness, decreased appetite, faster pulse.	Reduced appetite, dry mouth, increased heart rate, sweating, headache, stomach upset, insomnia.	Overdose: Severe agitation, high BP/heart rate, hyperthermia, arrhythmia, seizure. Response: 911 for severe symptoms, reduce stimulation.
Methylphenidate / Ritalin	Prescription tablets/capsules. Oral. Alertness, reduced appetite, talkativeness.	Reduced appetite, stomach pain, headache, increased heart rate/BP, sweating, tremor, insomnia.	Overdose: Chest pain, arrhythmia, severe hypertension, hallucinations, seizures. Response: 911 for severe symptoms, calm setting.
Synthetic Cathinones / Bath Salts	Fine white, ivory, tan powders/crystals. Swallowed, snorted, injected, smoked. Marked agitation, paranoia, rapid heart rate.	Fast heart rate, high BP, sweating, dilated pupils, jaw clenching, tremor, dehydration, overheating.	Overdose: Excited delirium state, dangerous hyperthermia, seizures, heart attack. Response: 911, prioritize safety, reduce stimulation, cool if overheated.
Tusi / Pink Cocaine	Brightly colored pink powder; variable composition. Usually snorted or swallowed. Mixed stimulant/psychedelic/sedative effects.	Fast heart rate, high BP, sweating, nausea, dizziness, jaw clenching, coordination issues.	Overdose: Agitation, sedation, vomiting, high BP, seizures, respiratory depression. Response: Treat symptoms, 911 for severe symptoms, naloxone if opioid exposure possible.