What category of drugs does caffeine belong to?

Caffeine is classified as a stimulant because it acts on the central nervous system to increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and elevate mood. It works primarily by blocking receptors for adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. As a result, its consumption leads to heightened perception and increased energy levels, characteristic of stimulant drugs.

In contrast, depressants are substances that slow down brain function and can produce sedation and relaxation, hallucinogens are known for altering perception and can induce visual or auditory hallucinations, and opioids primarily affect pain relief and can cause sedation but are not classified in the same category as stimulants. Thus, caffeine’s effects on mental alertness and wakefulness firmly place it within the stimulant category.