Psychoactive drug

A psychoactive substance or psychotropic drug is a chemical compound that alters the brain's normal chemistry to affect one's cognitive state. This inlcudes most (if not all) recreational drugs, as well as psychiatric medications and many other prescription drugs are psychoactive.

Common psychoactive substances

• Stimulants
  • Caffeine
  • Nicotine
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamine

• Hallucinogens
  • LSD
  • Mescaline
  • Psilocybin
  • Cannabis (also an anti-depressant)
  • PCP
  • MDMA ("Ecstasy")
  • DMT
  • GHB

• Narcotics
  • Opiates
    • Morphine
    • Codeine
    • Heroin
  • Ethyl alcohol

• Sedatives
  • Benzodiazepines (Valium etc)
  • Ketamine

• Anti-depressants
  • SSRIs
    • Prozac
    • Zoloft
    • Paxil

See also: Psychedelic, Ibogaine.

External links

• http://www.erowid.org
• Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service
• Drug Wise Newsletter: A Newsletter on Psychotropic Drugs