Question

Differentiate between the following:

Amphetamines and sedative drugs

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Amphetamines	Sedative drugs
Effect on the nervous system	Stimulate the central nervous system.	Depress the central nervous system.
Effect on alertness	Increase alertness and tend to keep a person awake.	Reduce alertness and cause calmness or drowsiness.
Common use or misuse	Sometimes misused as “pep pills” to stay awake.	Used medically to reduce anxiety, relieve pain or induce sleep.
Possible harmful effects	May impair judgement, blur vision and cause hallucinations at high doses.	Excessive use can cause dependence; combining them with alcohol can be highly dangerous.