Psychoactive substance

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

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

• Erowid
• Spirit Plants
• Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service
• Drug Wise Newsletter: A Newsletter on Psychotropic Drugs