Download Amphetamines

Amphetamine
Michelle Lubrano
Teaching Concepts of Health Education I
Drug Investigation Assignment
Spring 2010
Amphetamine Names
Street Names:
• Bennies, crank, black beauties, bumble bees, co-pilots,
crystal meth, dexies, hearts
Brand Names:
• Adderall and dexedrine
Chemical Name:
• amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and
methamphetamines
What is Amphetamine?
(Stimulant and Appetite suppressant)
Amphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing
the amount of certain chemicals in the body.
Main Action of Amphetamine;
Increase the synaptic activity of the dopamine and norepinephrine.
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cause the release of dopamine from axon terminals.
block dopamine reuptake.
inhibit the storage of dopamine in vesicles.
inhibit the destruction of dopamine by enzymes.
Amphetamine primarily used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit
disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD).
History of Amphetamine
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First synthesized in 1887 in Germany
Marketed first in 1992 as a Benzedrine inhaler (asthma)
1935 Dexedrine (narcolepsy)
1940s –widely used as diet pills
Used in WWII by military to decrease fatigue
1970 10 billion amphetamine pills were produced in USA per year
at least 10% of USA population > 14 years old had used some form
of this drug (dieters, students, truck drivers, laborers, etc.)
• Now used for narcolepsy, ADD, & ADHD
**Rated 8.6 out of 10 by Drugs.com**
Effects of Amphetamines
Psychological Effects:
low dose alertness, euphoria, increased motor performance and
energy, irritability, restlessness, and panic.
High doses  brief psychosis, increased aggressiveness, and
antisocial behaviors.
Physical Effects:
Body becomes ready for "fight or flight“
stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure
Part of Body it Effects:
• Central Nervous System (CNS)
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Amphetamines…
How do you take it?
• With a full glass of water
• Do not take in evening (insomnia)
• Don’t crush, chew, or open any amphetamine capsules.
Swallow them whole.
• Only take amount prescribed to you
• May also be sniffed or injected
What do they look like?
• Small round pills or capsules
• White, or clear crystallized, some with tints of yellow/blue
Withdrawal
Abusers can easily become addicted.
Amphetamine effects are similar to cocaine.
Tolerance Effect.
Withdrawal symptoms:
• Confusion, apathy, irritability, depression, increased appetite
and need for sleep
• Should talk to a doctor before going off of amphetamines if
taken for a long time
Short & Long Term Effects
Short Term
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced appetite
• Dilation of the pupils
• Feelings of happiness and
power
• Reduced fatigue
Long Term
• Insomnia, restlessness
• "Paranoid psychosis"
• Hallucinations
• Violent and aggressive behavior
• Weight loss
• Tremors
Recap!
What have you learned?
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What parts of the body do they effect?
What is amphetamine?
What possible side effects?
What does it treat?
Resources
• http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/amphetamines/amphetamines_chemis
try.shtml
• http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/assess/streetdrugs.htm
• http://www.drugs.com/amphetamine.html
• http://psych.fullerton.edu/mwhite/475pdf/475StimulantsAmphetaminesCocaine.pdf
• http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/amp.html