Amphetamine and methamphetamine are classified as what type of drugs?

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are classified as stimulant drugs due to their ability to increase activity in the central nervous system. Stimulants enhance mood, increase alertness, and promote feelings of euphoria. They achieve these effects by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine.

In contrast, depressant drugs act to slow down brain function and can lead to sedation and relaxation. Opioids are primarily known for their pain-relieving properties and can induce euphoria, but they do not have the same stimulating effects as amphetamines. Hallucinogenic drugs primarily alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, which is quite different from the energizing effects produced by stimulants like amphetamine and methamphetamine. This distinction underscores why the classification of these substances as stimulants is accurate and reflects their pharmacological effects on the body.