pep pill
Noun: A pep pill is a tablet or capsule containing a stimulant drug. This drug acts on the central nervous system to increase alertness, energy, and physical activity, while often decreasing appetite. Such substances are sometimes used medically to treat conditions like narcolepsy and certain types of depression.
The term "pep pill" is an informal, somewhat dated name for a stimulant drug in pill form. It emphasizes the effect of providing a temporary boost of energy or "pep." * He took a pep pill to stay awake for the long drive. * The use of pep pills without a prescription is dangerous.
- In the 1960s, some students misused pep pills to study all night.
- The doctor warned that relying on pep pills for energy can lead to dependency.
- The truck driver was arrested for possessing illegal pep pills.
- The term often carries a connotation of illicit or non-medical use, especially from past decades.
- It can be used metaphorically to describe anything that provides a sudden, short-lived boost of energy or morale.
- The coach's halftime speech was a real pep pill for the team.
- Stimulant (n): The formal, general category of drugs that increase central nervous system activity.
- Amphetamine (n): A specific type of powerful stimulant drug, which many "pep pills" historically contained.
- Uppers (n, informal slang): A colloquial term for stimulant drugs.
- Speed (slang)
- Upper (slang)
- Stimulant tablet
The primary meaning refers to a pharmaceutical stimulant. Its informal nature means it is rarely used in formal medical contexts today, where more precise terms like "prescription stimulants" (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine salts) are used. The metaphorical usage is less common.
- a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression