| Revision as of 04:37, 20 April 2004 view sourceDiberri (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,686 editsm don't capitalize disease names -- although I don't know if this is a WP policy← Previous edit | Revision as of 05:05, 20 April 2004 view source Diberri (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,686 editsm chemistry, misc.Next edit → | ||
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| '''Amphetamine''' is a synthetic ] originally developed (and still used) as a diet suppressant. Today it is officially admitted for treatment of ] (ADHD) and ]. | '''Amphetamine''' is a synthetic ] originally developed (and still used) as a diet suppressant. Today it is officially admitted for treatment of ] (ADHD) and ]. | ||
| == |
== Overview == | ||
| Amphetamine is a synthetic substance used to suppress appetite, control weight, treat ] and also ]. It is a commonly abused drug, usually bought on the street very impure or mixed with other drugs. Amphetamine can be snorted, taken orally, smoked, or injected. | Amphetamine is a synthetic substance used to suppress appetite, control weight, treat ] and also ]. It is a commonly abused drug, usually bought on the street very impure or mixed with other drugs. Amphetamine can be snorted, taken orally, smoked, or injected. | ||
| When the drug is snorted, smoked or injected, the effects can be felt within a few minutes, but the duration is usually lessened. When taken orally, the effects of the drug tend to feel "smoother" and are generally longer-lasting. | When the drug is snorted, smoked or injected, the effects can be felt within a few minutes, but the duration is usually lessened compared to oral administration. When taken orally, the effects of the drug tend to feel "smoother" and are generally longer-lasting. | ||
| Amphetamine was introduced in most of the world in the form of the pharmaceutical ] from the late 1920s. It was banned except for prescribed use in the late 1950s. | Amphetamine was introduced in most of the world in the form of the pharmaceutical ] from the late ]. It was banned except for prescribed use in the late ]. | ||
| It is also used recreationally and for performance enhancement. These uses are illegal in most countries. | It is also used recreationally and for performance enhancement. These uses are illegal in most countries. | ||
| Chronic amphetamine use can cause severe psychological dependence. Long-term use can result in extreme exhaustion and ]. | |||
| == |
== Chemistry == | ||
| <div align="left"><br> | |||
| Amphetamine has the ] ]<sub>9</sub>]<sub>13</sub>], and has a ] of 135.2084 ]. Its ] name is α-methylphenethylamine. | |||
| ⚫ | ] |
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| ⚫ | :] | ||
| ==Effects== | ==Effects== | ||
Revision as of 05:05, 20 April 2004
Amphetamine is a synthetic drug originally developed (and still used) as a diet suppressant. Today it is officially admitted for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Overview
Amphetamine is a synthetic substance used to suppress appetite, control weight, treat narcolepsy and also ADHD. It is a commonly abused drug, usually bought on the street very impure or mixed with other drugs. Amphetamine can be snorted, taken orally, smoked, or injected.
When the drug is snorted, smoked or injected, the effects can be felt within a few minutes, but the duration is usually lessened compared to oral administration. When taken orally, the effects of the drug tend to feel "smoother" and are generally longer-lasting.
Amphetamine was introduced in most of the world in the form of the pharmaceutical Benzedrine from the late 1920s. It was banned except for prescribed use in the late 1950s.
It is also used recreationally and for performance enhancement. These uses are illegal in most countries.
Chronic amphetamine use can cause severe psychological dependence. Long-term use can result in extreme exhaustion and malnutrition.
Chemistry
Amphetamine has the chemical formula C9H13N, and has a molecular weight of 135.2084 amu. Its IUPAC name is α-methylphenethylamine.
Effects
Amphetamine's behavioral effects come from its action on the monoamine transporter DAT (dopamine transporter) which leads to an increase in the amount of dopamine in the synaptic cleft.
Positive Effects
Increased alertness, decreased hunger, euphoria. With people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder it has a calming effect and helps them to concentrate.
Neutral Effects
Rapid talking, weight loss, hallucinations - These symptoms occur mainly with abuse. For people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, these effects have not been observed within the recommended doses.
Negative Effects
Changed sleep patterns, involuntary bodily movements, hyperactivity, nausea, itchy or blotchy skin, delusions of power, aggressiveness, irritability, and addiction. These symptoms occur mainly with abuse.
Longterm Negative Effects
Lowered immune system effectiveness, heart problems, psychological damage, stroke, damage to liver, kidney and lung disorders, death. These symptoms occur mainly with abuse.
Medical Use
Like Ritalin, amphetamine is one of the standard treatments of ADHD. Its effects on ADHD is improved impulse control, improved concentration, decreased sensory overstimulation and decreased irritability. This results in an overall calming effect.
When used within the recommended doses, side effects like loss of appetite appear only initially.
Amphetamines are also a standard treatment for narcolepsy.
Medical use for weight loss is still approved in some countries, but is regarded as obsolete in the United States.
Recreational use
Street names include speed, whiz, billy, crank, yaba, glass, "goey", meth, and crystal.
Performance Enhancing Use
Amphetamine is usually not used by athletes whose sport involves extreme cardiovascular workout, as methamphetamine and amphetamine put a great deal of stress on the heart.
The United States Air Force uses amphetamines (Adderall) as stimulants for pilots, calling them "go pills".
The Law
Amphetamine and methamphetamine are Schedule II control drugs, classified as a CNS (Central Nervous System) Stimulant, in the United States. A Schedule II drug is classified as one that: has a high potential for abuse, has a currently accepted medical use and is used under severe restrictions, and has a high possibility of severe psychological and physiological dependence.