English

Categories of Drugs

Advertisements

Topics

Estimated time: 11 minutes
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Drug

Any chemical substance which, when taken, alters the normal functioning of the body is called a drug.

CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that act on the central nervous system (CNS) and produce changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behaviour.

CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Classification and Effects

Psychoactive drugs are classified into the following types based on their action on the CNS and their effects on the body:

1. Hypnotics:

  • Action: Induce artificial but normal sleep.
  • Effect on Body: Causes sleep without major disturbance of consciousness.
  • Examples: Phenobarbitone, Diazepam

2. Sedatives:

  • Action: Produce a calming effect and reduce mental activity.
  • Effect on Body: Brings physical and mental relaxation; may suppress consciousness.
  • Examples: Phenobarbitone, Diazepam

3. Narcotics:

  • Action: Depress the CNS and cause sleepiness.
  • Effect on Body: Can produce stupor, coma, addiction, and physical degeneration.
  • Examples: Opium, Morphine, Heroin

4. Tranquilisers:

  • Action: Relieve anxiety and tension without inducing sleep.
  • Effect on Body: Maintain consciousness while producing a calming effect on the mental state.
  • Examples: Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam

5. Stimulants:

  • Action: Stimulate the nervous system.
  • Effect on Body: Increase excitement, alertness, and self-confidence.
  • Examples: Amphetamines, Cocaine

6. Hallucinogens:

  • Action: Causes hallucinations and perceptual distortions.
  • Effect on Body: Alters personality and the sense of time and reality.
  • Examples: Cannabis, Mescaline, LSD
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Categories of Drugs

Type of Drug Action Effect on Body Examples
Hypnotics Drugs that induce artificial but normal sleep Cause sleep without major disturbance of consciousness Phenobarbitone, Diazepam
Sedatives Drugs that produce a calming effect and reduce mental activity Bring physical and mental relaxation; may suppress consciousness Cocaine, Opium
Narcotics Drugs that depress the central nervous system and cause sleepiness Produce stupor, coma, addiction and physical degeneration Opium, Morphine, Heroin
Tranquillisers Drugs that relieve anxiety and tension without inducing sleep Maintain consciousness while calming mental state Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam
Stimulants Drugs that stimulate the nervous system Increase excitement, alertness and self-confidence Amphetamines, Cocaine
Hallucinogens Drugs that cause hallucinations and distortion of perception Alter personality, sense of time and reality Cannabis, Mescaline, LSD

Video Tutorials

We have provided more than 1 series of video tutorials for some topics to help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Series 1


Series 2


Shaalaa.com | Chemicals in Medicines

Shaalaa.com


Next video


Shaalaa.com


Chemicals in Medicines [00:06:14]
S
Series: series 2
0%


Advertisements
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×