Uppers

Uppers is a colloquial term used to describe stimulant drugs that increase alertness, energy, and wakefulness. The term is used in medical, law enforcement, and popular contexts and can refer to a range of substances, including legal caffeine and nicotine as everyday stimulants, as well as prescription or illicit stimulants.

Most uppers are psychostimulants that enhance activity in the brain by boosting monoamine neurotransmitters, notably dopamine and norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent serotonin. The immediate effects typically include increased wakefulness, heightened focus, elevated mood, and reduced appetite. At higher doses, users may experience anxiety, irritability, insomnia, rapid heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. There is also the potential for dependence and withdrawal with longer-term use.

Examples include prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall), as well as illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Caffeine and nicotine are widely used legal stimulants that are sometimes included in the broad sense of uppers. Some stimulants are used medically for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, or obesity; others are diverted, misused recreationally, or illegal in many jurisdictions.

Health risks from sustained use include tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and cardiovascular complications. Acute overdose can cause seizures, arrhythmias, or stroke. Risk increases when stimulants are combined with other substances, especially alcohol or depressants. Long-term use can disrupt sleep, cognitive function, and mental health.

Legal status varies by substance and country. In many places, cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain prescription stimulants are controlled; medical use is permitted under supervision, while nonmedical use can be illegal. Availability and purity can affect safety.