Amphetamine Drugs | Uses, Psychosis, Adverse Effects, Pharmacological Effect

Pharmacological effect of Amphetamines

The main central effects are:

Locomotor stimulation (increased motor activity)

Euphoria (intense) and excitement

Subject become confident, hyperactive, talkative, and sex drive is enhanced (overall mental and physical performance is boosted)

Fatigue of both mental and physical is reduced

Mental performance is improved for simple task much more than difficult tasks

Stereotyped behaviours which consists repeated actions that are generally inappropriate to the environment

Anorexia due to feeling of fullness and loss of appetite

Therapeutic Uses of Amphetamines

They have limited use due to physical and psychological dependence. However, the most commonly used legally today are to treat:

Narcolepsy - This rare sleep disorder involves overwhelming, irresistible urges to sleep during the day despite adequate night time sleep. Amphetamine, modafinil (non-amphetamine stimulant) is used as treatment.

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in children. Drugs used are methylphenidate and amphetamine

They may be used as appetite suppressants such as phentermine (Duromine) and sibutramien (Reductil)

Adverse effects of Amphetamines

For short term use, amphetamine may cause the side effects as belowed:

·         dilated pupils

·         increased blood pressure

·         increased heart rate

·         decreased appetite

·         dry mouth

·         tremors

·         dizziness / nausea

·         irregular heartbeat

·         loss of coordination

·         sudden collapse

·         loss of consciousness

Amphetamine can induce a condition resembling heatstroke which is associated with muscle damage, renal failure, inappropriate secretion of ADH leading to thirst, over hydration and hyponatraemia (also known as water intoxication).

For long term use, amphetamines may cause

·         malnutrition - since amphetamines reduce the users appetite, they are less likely to eat properly and due to this they are less resistant to infections

·         chronic anxiety - to combat this users often turn to alcohol and barbiturates for help. Chronic anxiety may also lead to violent behavior.

·         chronic psychosis - symptoms may include paranoia, delusions, and bizarre behavior. This can be seen as early as 1 week after the user has stopped using. (withdrawal symptoms)

·         brain damage - long term use of amphetamines can cause damage to the brain, specifically areas that deal with memory and everyday thinking.

Researchers have mapped brain decay caused by methamphetamine use. It is found that the damage affected memory, emotion and reward systems. Areas of greatest loss (damage) are limbic system which control emotion and reward and hippocampus which deal with memory.

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