Products
Amphetamines are commercially available as drugs in the form of tablets, sustained-release tablets, capsules, and sustained-release capsules.
Structure and properties
Amphetamines are derivatives of amphetamine. It is a methylphenethylamine structurally related to endogenous monoamines and stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Amphetamines are racemates and the –enantiomers.
Effects
Amphetamines have sympathomimetic, central stimulant, bronchodilator, psychoactive, hypertensive, and appetite suppressant properties. The effects in ADHD are attributed to reuptake inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons in the central nervous system.
Indications
Amphetamines are now used primarily for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another indication is narcolepsy (severe daytime sleepiness). Earlier indications:
- As antiadiposita in overweight and obesity.
- Hypotension
- Bedwetting and incontinence
Abuse
- Doping agents in sports, in the military, e.g. for fighter jet pilots.
- As a party drug, stimulant, stimulant, smart drug.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drugs are usually taken in the morning or at noon, because they can cause sleep disturbances.
Active ingredients
The following drugs are approved in many countries:
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin).
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, generics).
- Lisdexamphetamine (Elvanse)
Other active ingredients:
- Amphetamine
- Dexamphetamine (Attentin)
- Methamphetamine (“crystal meth”)
- Mephedrone (narcotic)
- Phentermine (Adipex, out of trade).
- Fenproporex
- Mefenorex
- Phenmetrazine
- Benzphetamine
Contraindications
Contraindications include (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Pronounced anxiety, tension, and agitation
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cerebrovascular diseases
- Glaucoma
- Pheochromocytoma
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Treatment with an MAO inhibitor
- Psychiatric disorders
- Arterial occlusive diseases.
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include lack of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, nervousness, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dry mouth. Amphetamines can cause numerous other side effects. These include serious side effects such as a heart attack, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, stroke, convulsions, and behavioral problems. Amphetamines can be addictive and abused.
