What term is used to describe drugs that enhance central nervous system activity?

The correct term for drugs that enhance central nervous system activity is stimulants. These substances increase alertness, attention, and energy by raising the levels of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Common examples of stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines.

In contrast, depressants are substances that decrease central nervous system activity, leading to effects such as relaxation and sedation. Hallucinogens are a different category of drugs that primarily affect the perception of reality, often causing visual and auditory distortions. Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, are designed to reduce anxiety and have a calming effect, which aligns more closely with depressants than stimulants. Thus, the defining characteristic of stimulants is their ability to increase overall brain activity, setting them apart from these other drug types.