Analeptics are best described as drugs that do what?

• A. Drugs that depress the central nervous system
• B. Drugs that stimulate the respiratory center
• C. Drugs that reduce fever
• D. Drugs that paralyze muscles

Answer: (B)

Analeptics act by stimulating the brain’s respiratory center to increase the drive to breathe. They are central stimulants that raise respiratory rate and depth, helping to counteract respiratory depression from opioids, anesthesia, or hypoventilation. This makes them the right choice because the core action described is boosting respiration, rather than depressing the CNS, reducing fever, or causing muscle paralysis. Classic examples include agents like doxapram and caffeine.