Amphetamine is a nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant. It works by increasing production of certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Amphetamine controlled substance can be physically and psychologically addictive when abused. Amphetamines are only legally available by prescription and some health conditions they’re prescribed for may include:
- narcolepsy
- short term appetite suppressant for weight loss
- drowsiness caused by chronic fatigue syndrome
- attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD)
Why amphetamine has a calming effect on some hyperactive children is unknown.
Amphetamines have a very high potential for abuse because they’re very often used illicitly for their effects, like:
- lack of inhibition
- reverse effects of fatigue
- increase mental alertness
- stave off the need to sleep
- cause a sense of euphoria
- boost energy & endurance
- enhance ability to concentrate
Many of these amphetamines effects are very similar to “fight or flight” response generated by your parasympathetic system. And essentially, amphetamines effects are the opposite of the depressant effects of drugs such as alcohol, narcotics and barbiturates.
Some of its derivatives are:
- MDA
- ecstasy
- methamphetamine
- ephedrine ~ OTC decongestants
- benzedrine ~ bronchodilator relieves breathing difficulty
Amphetamine benzedrine was once used in inhalants for health conditions such as nasal allergies and asthma, but its no longer used because of its toxicity and abuse.
The potential drug side effects of amphetamine are numerous, some of which may cause:
- pallor
- tremors
- flushing
- sweating
- insomnia
- dizziness
- headache
- dry mouth
- chest pain
- numbness
- palpitations
- blurry vision
- hypotension
- appetite loss
- hypertension
- hyperthermia
- dilated pupils
- disorientation
- hyperglycemia
- muscle twitches
- nausea & vomiting
- dry skin, itchy skin
- distorted sensations
- acne, skin ulcerations
- increased breathing rate
- arrhythmia ~ tachycardia, bradycardia
- digestive problems ~ diarrhea, constipation
- restlessness, agitation, panic, aggressiveness
In addition to these health side effects, chronic use may cause amphetamine intoxication. Amphetamine intoxication may lead to:
- coma
- stroke
- delirium
- seizures
- anorexia
- dehydration
- malnutrition
- erectile dysfunction
- pulmonary hypertension
- cellulitis, abscess, phlebitis, vasculitis due to intravenous use
And yeah, amphetamine intoxication can eventually lead to death due to its poisonous health effects.
Withdrawal from amphetamines’ use can consist of:
- fatigue
- anxiety
- agitation
- depression
- temper issues
- appetite increase
- suicidal thoughts
- excessive sleeping
These withdrawal symptoms usually only last for a couple of weeks.
One of the notable effects for users after a period of amphetamine non use is prolonged deep sleep.
