Psychoactive substance
A psychoactive substance or psychotropic drug is a chemical compound that alters brain function, resulting in changes of e.g. perception, mood, awakeness, or behaviour. This includes most (if not all) recreational drugs, as well as psychiatric medications and many other prescription drugs. Psychoactive compounds act by affecting the neurotransmission between nerve cells in the brain.
Note: This overview groups together compounds with very different effects and modes of action. Several compounds could also be classified under other classes (e.g. Cannabis has hallucinogenic, sedative, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, antiemetic, and analgesic action). Please follow the links for other compounds and more detailed information.
Common psychoactive substances
See also:
Psychedelic, Ibogaine.
External links