Amphetamines: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know

Introduction

Amphetamines are stimulants, they work by stimulating the central nervous system. This makes them medically beneficial in some ways, as well-known amphetamines like Adderall are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and even sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

However, on the other hand, they have a great potential for misuse, leading to stimulant use disorder and other life-threatening conditions. In fact, every 1 in 4 overdose related deaths are because of stimulants like amphetamines. The fatality rate involving amphetamines has increased 5-fold in recent years, from 0.8 – 3.9 between 2012 and 2018.

What Is Amphetamine?

Amphetamines are stimulants. They stimulate the central nervous disorder. Some well-known amphetamines are Adderall and methylphenidate. As stimulants, they are used in the treatment of ADHD, a developmental disorder, to enhance focus, reduce hyperactivity and other impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder. Amphetamines are also used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy to combat excessive sleepiness and induce wakefulness.

While amphetamines have their medical benefits and have been used for the same a long time now, they have a very high potential for misuse. Amphetamines are known to enhance productivity and performance. This makes it a popular drug among students and athletes. At the same time, amphetamine sulphate, very commonly known as speed, is only used for recreational and experimentation purposes and has no known medical benefits.

Get Help Now!

Amphetamine Brand Names

Some common amphetamine brand names are:

• Adderall – perhaps the most well-known and commonly used in the treatment of ADHD.
• Dexedrine
• Dyanavel XR
• Evekeo
• Evekeo ODT
• Mydayis
• Vyvanse
• Xelstrym
• Zendedi

How Amphetamine Addiction Develops?

Amphetamines are stimulants. When they stimulate the central nervous system, what they do is give rise to a high or a euphoria. This basically refers to a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings. However, this rush only lasts temporarily. Therefore, if a person takes it once, they feel like going back to it again and again.

Moreover, as amphetamines enhance productivity and performance, in a culture that emphasizes performance, it can also make students, working professionals, and athletes keep going back to it again and again.

Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Use Disorder

As per the latest edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), DSM-5-TR, the signs and symptoms of a stimulant use disorder, including amphetamines, are as follows:

• Cravings and urges for the stimulant.
• Increased and frequent use of the stimulant than intended.
• Several attempts to stop the stimulant use, however, are usually unsuccessful.
• Stimulant use is prioritized over everything else in life.
• Consistent stimulant use despite the adverse effects it has on physical and psychological health as well as interpersonal and social relationships.
• Development of tolerance, as in requiring more and more of the stimulant to experience the same effects and feel content.
• Experience of withdrawal symptoms, which are intensely unpleasant symptoms when the stimulant is stopped.

Some other signs and symptoms of amphetamine misuse are as follows:

• Elevated mood
• Greater talkativeness
• Elevated self-confidence
• Energy boost
• Increased levels of alertness
• Increased body temperature
• Decrease in appetite
• Increased breathing rate
• High blood pressure

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects of Amphetamine Abuse

As amphetamines have a risk of misuse and abuse, over time, this becomes very problematic and gives rise to a number of health risks and long-term unwanted effects:

• Irritability and restlessness
• Aggressiveness and hostility
• Confusion
• Delusions
• Impaired judgment
• Sexual promiscuity
• Frequent headaches
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Vision problems
• Skin problems
• Tachycardia or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Amphetamine abuse is dangerous. Chronic, frequent use of these stimulants can lead to a number of health complications. In extreme cases, it can lead to a lethal overdose, resulting in death. Amphetamine overdose can look somewhat like this:

• Agitation
• Irregular heartbeat or tachycardia
• Hyperthermia or increased body temperature
• Seizures

If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, then it is vital to call the nearby healthcare providers or emergency services (like 9-1-1 in the U.S.). This can be a life-saving move as amphetamine overdose can lead to fatality.

How Does Amphetamines Work?

Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system. In that, they make it work faster by increasing the neurotransmitter levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

In doing so, they enhance attentiveness and focus, boost energy levels, relax the mind and body, and also give rise to a high or euphoria.

However, on the flip side, they can also give rise to unwanted side effects like anxiety, irritability, sleep difficulties, erectile dysfunction, psychosis, heart conditions, and can also lead to a substance use disorder.

Get Help Now!

Can Amphetamines Be Used To Treat ADHD In Children?

Yes, amphetamines can be used to treat ADHD in children. Now, the question is why can amphetamines be used to treat ADHD in children? Amphetamines like Adderall and Ritalin are prescribed in lower doses for children, and these work by:

• Enhancing attention span and focus
• Reduces hyperactivity
• Reduces impulsive behaviors
• Reduces fidgety behaviors
• Improves performance

When amphetamines like Adderall are prescribed and used as per doctor’s instructions, they are beneficial and do not lead to abuse. Therefore, it is always necessary to ensure that they are only taken as prescribed.

Are Amphetamines A Stimulant?

Yes, amphetamines are powerful stimulants. They stimulate the central nervous system and increase neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They help in enhancing focus, alertness, and also give rise to a high/euphoria.

Types Of Amphetamines

The different types of amphetamines are as follows:

• Amphetamine  – Commonly known as speed, uppers, and whiz.
• Dextroamphetamine  – Used illegally, and often referred to as dexies, pep pills, and uppers.
• Methamphetamine – Available in crystal and liquid forms, and commonly known as base, crystal, d-meth, leopard’s blood, and so on

Medical Uses Of Amphetamines

There are medical uses of amphetamines. They are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, as they help increase attention, focus, wakefulness, and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

In fact, when amphetamines are taken as prescribed by the doctor, they do not lead to misuse or other kinds of health complications. They are beneficial.

On the other hand, as amphetamines give rise to a high/euphoria, and are known to enhance productivity and performance, they are often misused and lead to a number of health complications. Additionally, amphetamines like speed do not have any known medical benefits and are mainly used for recreation and experimentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an amphetamine drug used for?

Amphetamines are mainly used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. However, they can be misused to increase productivity, performance, and even for experimentation.

What drugs come up as amphetamine?

Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine are certain kinds of drugs that come up as amphetamines.

What is amphetamine drug pharmacology?

Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system and affect neurotransmitters and nerves related to hyperactivity and impulsivity.