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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

CNS Stimulant Quiz: Identify the Drug

Quick practice to spot which is a CNS stimulant. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nicole GuetzlaffUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
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This quiz helps you identify central nervous system stimulants and tell them from other drugs. Work through short questions, get instant feedback, and build recall for class, exams, or practice. If you want a broader challenge, try our guess the drug quiz, explore how signaling works in the neurotransmitters quiz, or check your general knowledge with a quick drug quiz.

Which of the following is a central nervous system stimulant commonly found in coffee?
Morphine
Ethanol
Nicotine
Caffeine
Caffeine is a methylxanthine that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing fatigue and increasing arousal. It is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world and is the primary stimulant in coffee and tea. Its central stimulant effects are mediated through enhanced neurotransmitter activity.
Which of the following substances is a potent central nervous system stimulant and local anesthetic?
Cocaine
Caffeine
Codeine
Amphetamine
Cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, producing powerful stimulant effects. It also inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels, providing local anesthetic action. Because of its dual activity, it is unique among common stimulants.
Which of these is a prescription central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Fluoxetine
Diazepam
Amphetamine
Haloperidol
Amphetamine increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by promoting their release and blocking reuptake. It is FDA-approved for ADHD and narcolepsy under brand names such as Adderall. Its stimulant properties improve focus and reduce impulsivity in patients.
Which of these legal substances in tobacco acts as a central nervous system stimulant?
Nicotine
THC
GABA
Caffeine
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, leading to the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This produces arousal, improved attention, and mild euphoria. It is the primary stimulant in tobacco products.
Which over-the-counter decongestant also has central nervous system stimulant properties due to its ephedrine-like action?
Pseudoephedrine
Cetirizine
Dextromethorphan
Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic that releases norepinephrine and has mild CNS stimulant effects in addition to its nasal decongestant action. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce mild arousal. Its stimulant properties have led to restrictions on its sale in many countries.
Which medication used in ADHD is a central nervous system stimulant that inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake?
Atomoxetine
Risperidone
Clonidine
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate blocks the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET), increasing catecholamine levels in the synaptic cleft. It is widely prescribed for ADHD and is known for improving attention and reducing hyperactivity. Its stimulant profile is similar to amphetamines but with a distinct mechanism.
Which of the following is a wakefulness-promoting central nervous system stimulant often prescribed for narcolepsy?
Modafinil
Zolpidem
Melatonin
Caffeine
Modafinil acts on the hypothalamic sleep - wake centers, partly by inhibiting dopamine reuptake and affecting orexin levels. It promotes wakefulness in conditions like narcolepsy with a lower risk of traditional stimulant side effects. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the U.S.
Which xanthine derivative used as a bronchodilator is also a mild central nervous system stimulant?
Theobromine
Caffeine
Theophylline
Diphenhydramine
Theophylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases intracellular cAMP, causing bronchodilation and mild CNS stimulation. It can improve respiratory drive and has stimulant effects on the central respiratory center. Its use has declined due to side effects and safer alternatives.
Which CNS stimulant is a prodrug converted in the body to dextroamphetamine?
Methylphenidate
Methamphetamine
Lisdexamfetamine
Dextroamphetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is an inactive prodrug that is enzymatically hydrolyzed to dextroamphetamine, providing a longer duration of action and lower abuse potential. It is approved for ADHD and binge eating disorder. Its design reduces rapid peaks in amphetamine levels.
Which illicit central nervous system stimulant is also known as 'crystal meth'?
Cocaine
Amphetamine
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a potent CNS stimulant that increases release and blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Its high lipid solubility allows it to cross the blood - brain barrier rapidly, leading to intense euphoria and addiction. Illicitly, it is often found in the crystalline form known as 'crystal meth.'
Which of the following is a Schedule I central nervous system stimulant, primarily acting as a serotonin-releasing agent but also producing stimulant effects?
Nicotine
Amphetamine
Caffeine
MDMA
MDMA (ecstasy) primarily causes serotonin release but also increases dopamine and norepinephrine, producing both entactogenic and stimulant effects. It is classified as a Schedule I substance in the U.S. due to its high abuse potential and lack of approved medical use.
Which synthetic cathinone known as 'bath salts' is a potent central nervous system stimulant that blocks monoamine reuptake?
Mephedrone
Methamphetamine
MDPV
Methylphenidate
MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is a synthetic cathinone that blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, producing intense stimulant and psychostimulant effects. It has been linked to severe agitation, psychosis, and cardiovascular toxicity. It emerged in 'bath salts' formulations and is now widely regulated.
Which naturally occurring stimulant found in the khat plant leaves acts as a central nervous system stimulant similar to amphetamine?
Mescaline
Cathinone
Psilocybin
Atropine
Cathinone is the primary active alkaloid in khat leaves and resembles amphetamine in its mechanism, increasing release of dopamine and norepinephrine. Chewing khat leads to stimulant effects such as increased alertness and euphoria. It is regulated in many countries due to potential for abuse.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify CNS Stimulants -

    After completing the quiz, readers will be able to accurately pinpoint drugs classified as central nervous system stimulants among various medication options.

  2. Differentiate Drug Classes -

    Readers will be able to distinguish CNS stimulants from other drug categories such as depressants and hallucinogens based on their pharmacological profiles.

  3. Recall ADHD and Narcolepsy Treatments -

    Participants will reinforce their knowledge of common CNS stimulants used in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, including both brand and generic names.

  4. Analyze Stimulant Mechanisms -

    Participants will assess how CNS stimulants interact with neurotransmitter systems to enhance alertness, focus, and wakefulness.

  5. Apply Clinical Identification Skills -

    Readers will be prepared to apply their understanding in clinical or academic settings to correctly identify CNS stimulants in real”world scenarios.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Classification of CNS Stimulants -

    Central nervous system stimulants are divided into amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine), methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin), and methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine) according to Mayo Clinic guidelines. A fun mnemonic is "AMP it up": A for Amphetamines, M for Methylphenidate, P for Percolate (caffeine) to remember common classes when quizzed on which of the following is a CNS stimulant.

  2. Mechanism of Action -

    These drugs work by blocking dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters and/or increasing neurotransmitter release in the synaptic cleft, as detailed in FDA prescribing information. Recall "Double D-N boost" (Dopamine + Norepinephrine) to link both transporters in one memory aid.

  3. Therapeutic Indications -

    CNS stimulants are first-line treatments for ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate) and narcolepsy (e.g., modafinil) per the American Academy of Pediatrics. Think "Focus & Wake" to pair ADHD's attentional boost and narcolepsy's wakefulness promotion.

  4. Common Side Effects -

    Typical adverse effects include insomnia, appetite suppression, tachycardia, and potential rebound irritability, as noted in PubMed-indexed reviews. Use the phrase "I ATe My CAT" (Insomnia, Appetite loss, Tachycardia) to quickly list key risks on a CNS stimulant quiz.

  5. Quiz-Ready Differentiation -

    When asked "which of the following is a central nervous system stimulant?", look for names ending in - phetamine (e.g., amphetamine) or - phenidate (e.g., methylphenidate) versus depressants like benzodiazepines. A simple tip: stimulants often elevate mood and alertness - if the drug wakes you up, it's likely a CNS stimulant.

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