Addictive potential amphetamine

Which factors influence the addiction potential for cocaine and amphetamine ... 

Despite public misconceptions, there is little firm evidence that the typical and atypical antidepressants produce dependence in clinical users. A review of 21 case reports of antidepressant addiction revealed that 12 were associated with tranylcypromine, although 8 of these 12 had a previous history of substance misuse (Haddad, 1999). Tranylcypromine s structural similarity to amphetamine may account for the significant number of reports of its addictive potential, but even here the term (mild) discontinuation reaction rather than withdrawal reaction should be used to allay any concerns patients might have (Haddad, 1999). 

Amphetamines should generally be avoided because of their powerful stimulant and addictive potential. 

At the cocaine/amphetamine drugstore we thus buy one dream (immediate energy) at the expense of another (long-term restoration). It s a bit like mixed portfolio investing or hedging one s bets. Take a quick hit (and with it, risk) or be patient (and play it safe). As is typical of the ambitious conquistador type, Freud achieved some instant notoriety with his claims for cocaine but incurred doubt about his judgment when the addiction potential that he had underestimated reared its ugly head. 

SYMPATHOMIMETIC Amedication similar to amphetamine, but is less powerful and has less potential for addiction than amphetamine. 

Mazindol is a tricyclic compound with central nervous system stimulant properties similar to those of amphetamine. It releases and blocks reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline (1), and the actions of these catecholamines, not serotonin, are responsible for its anorectic activity. With fairly high doses (6 mg/day) central nervous system effects were reported in 30% of 23 patients (2). Euphoria does not occur at therapeutic doses, but can occur at higher doses. It has a much lower addiction potential than the amphetamines and practically no cases have been reported of a physical withdrawal syndrome. 

II Medical use high addiction potential Strong opioid agonists, cocaine, short half-life barbiturates, amphetamines, methylphenidate... 

Amphetamines may be used in the short-term treatment of exogenous obesity (obesity caused by a persistent calorie intake that is greater than needed by the body). However, their use in treating exogenous obesity has declined because the long-term use of the amphetamines for obesity carries the potential for addiction and abuse... 

Cocaine Clinically used as a local anaesthetic during eye surgery recreational use widespread tolerance develops readily highly addictive, especially crack cocaine severe potential problems similar to amphetamine users often become suspicious and paranoid, displaying antisocial and troublesome behaviour patterns. 

Amphetamines are very effective for weight loss but their use is limited by serious side effects and the potential for abuse. Therefore, amphetamine is still FDA approved for other diseases but is no longer permitted for weight loss. Many drugs that are similar to amphetamine have been formulated in an attempt to promote weight loss without causing addiction and dangerous side effects. 

Amphetamines are powerful synthetic psychostimnlants with a high potential of addiction. They increase vigilance and the ability to concentrate, temporarily elevate mood, and stim-nlate motor activity. However, depending on the dosage and more importantly on the person s personality, they can cause various levels of euphoria, raise blood pressure, and facilitate contraction of the sphincter of the nrinary bladder as well as facilitate the development of mydriasis. 

Pemoline is a structurally unique CNS stimulant that exhibits minimal sympatomimetic effects, and possesses the same pharmacological properties as amphetamines and methylphenidate, yet it has less potential to cause addiction than other CNS stimulators. It enhances vigilance and motor activity, and causes weak euphoria, which is possibly linked to an increase in dopaminergic transmissions in CNS structures. 

Stimulants (amphetamines [Adderall, Dexedrine] and methylphenidate [Concerta, Ritalin]) increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, increase blood glucose, and open up the pathways of the respiratory system. Historically, stimulants were prescribed to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. As their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the prescribing of stimulants by physicians began to wane. Now, stimulants are prescribed for treating only a few health conditions, most notably ADHD, narcolepsy, and, in some instances, depression that has not responded to other treatments. 

Amphetamine stimulates the central nervous system, which suppresses the appetite. Most diet pills are sympathomimetics. They are similar to amphetamines, but are less powerful and have less potential for addiction. The sympathomimetics are benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, methamphetamine, phendimetrazine, phentermine, and sibutramine. 

Ritalin became popular primarily because it was not an amphetamine. Amphetamines were known to have the potential for abuse and addiction. The potential for abuse of and addiction to Ritalin was still unknown. Ritalin was also preferred because it had been shown in many studies to have a rapid positive effect on children s performance, it remained in the bloodstream for only a few hours, and it had no negative effect after the children stopped taking the drug. 

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