excitant
Something that stimulates
An excitant is something that excites or stimulates, particularly in medical and physiological contexts.
Caffeine is an excitant, as are amphetamines.
The word functions as both noun and adjective: excitant drugs, an excitant effect on the nervous system.
The term is somewhat technical; stimulant is the more common word in everyday speech.
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- amphetamineCentral nervous system stimulant
- nicotineAddictive tobacco alkaloid
- cocaineAddictive stimulant narcotic
- ephedrinePlant-derived airway opener
adrenaline · norepinephrine · dopamine · guarana · theobromine · taurine · ginseng · yerba mate
Imparting fresh energy
- stimulatingArousing interest or energy
- revitalizingRestoring strength or energy
- vitalizingMaking lively or energetic
- enliveningMaking lively or spirited
rousing · animating · galvanizing · activating · awakening · rejuvenating · quickening · exhilarating
Evoking a response
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- activationSetting into operation
agitation · hyperactivity · tachycardia · vasoconstriction · pupil dilation · tremor · restlessness · insomnia
Pleasurably stimulating, often sensually
- arousingEvoking strong feeling
- stimulatingArousing interest or energy
- alluringPowerfully appealing
- enticingPowerfully attractive
tantalizing · intriguing · inflammatory · inciting · provoking · agitating · stirring · kindling
caffeine
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- amphetamineCentral nervous system stimulant
- nicotineAddictive tobacco alkaloid
- cocaineAddictive stimulant narcotic
ephedrine · adrenaline · norepinephrine · dopamine · guarana · theobromine · taurine · ginseng · yerba mate · khat
invigorating
Imparting fresh energy
- stimulatingArousing interest or energy
- revitalizingRestoring strength or energy
- vitalizingMaking lively or energetic
enlivening · rousing · animating · galvanizing · activating · awakening · rejuvenating · quickening · exhilarating · electrifying
stimulation
Evoking a response
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
activation · agitation · hyperactivity · tachycardia · vasoconstriction · pupil dilation · tremor · restlessness · insomnia · palpitation
titillating
Pleasurably stimulating, often sensually
- arousingEvoking strong feeling
- stimulatingArousing interest or energy
- alluringPowerfully appealing
enticing · tantalizing · intriguing · inflammatory · inciting · provoking · agitating · stirring · kindling · inflaming
excitantdepressant
Agent that reduces activity
sedative · suppressant · inhibitor · tranquilizer · relaxant
excitantsedative
Drug promoting calm
tranquilizer · calmative · soother · relaxant · anxiolytic