Amphetamine appetite effects

Appetite-suppressing. Neuropqrtide modulators and gut hormones with anorexigenic effects are a-melanocortin-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leptin, insulin, oxyntomodulin, pancreatic peptide PP, peptide YY and PYY3 36, and others. 

Until recently, d-fenfiuramine was used to control appetite, in preference to d-amphetamine, because it has a lower affinity for the catecholamine transporter and so its uptake into noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons is much less than that of amphetamine. This is thought to explain why, at anorectic doses, this compound lacks the psychotropic effects and dependence-liability that are real problems with if-amphetamine. Unfortunately, despite this therapeutic advantage, this compound has had to be withdrawn from the clinic because of worries that it might cause primary pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease and even long-term neuropathy. 

Phenmetrazine Clinically used for short-term appetite suppression in the longer term its supposed benefits for weight control are very doubtful recreational use is rare, with weaker CNS effects than amphetamine, but it is still addictive. 

Figure 4.1 The chemical structure of amphetamine and fenfluramine are illustrated here. Fenfluramine (bottom) is a diet pill that is very similar in structure to amphetamine (top). Fenfluramine is an appetite suppressant, like amphetamine, but it does not have stimulant effects. Fenfluramine was proposed as a safer alternative to amphetamine and was very effective in causing weight loss, especially when used in combination with phentermine. Unfortunately, fenfluramine eventually led to devastating side effects, which led to its being withdrawn from the U.S. market.

Stimulants. From coca leaves chewed by native laborers in South America to brewed teas and coffees used across the globe, stimulants have been used since antiquity. In these essentially naturally occurring forms, coca and caffeine were long known to provide a boost of energy, focus attention, and decrease appetite. However, compared to today s refined stimulants, the effects were relatively mild. There is no clear evidence that these substances were used to treat the ancient antecedents of psychiatric illness in past cultures. The isolation of cocaine in the mid-1700s and the synthesis of amphetamine in the late 1800s dramatically increased stimulant use (and abuse) in society. 

The side effects of methylphenidate are very similar to the amphetamines, but because it is somewhat less potent they may be a little milder. The common side effects of methylphenidate are appetite loss, weight loss, insomnia, and nausea. Taking methylphenidate with meals and no later than 6 PM can control most of these. On rare occasions, methylphenidate can cause headache, dizziness, nervousness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, tics, and, in extremely rare cases, paranoia. 

CNS stimulants can be classified as Psychomotor stimulants compounds that display a stimulatory effect primarily on brain functions and which activate mental and physical activity of the organism. They are made up of methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline, pentoxifyllin), amphetamines (dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine), and also methylphenidate and pemoline. Respiratory stimulants or analeptics compounds, which cause certain activations of mental and physical activity of the organism, and primarily excite the vasomotor and respiratory centers of the medulla (doxapram, almitrine).Drwgi that suppress appetite or anorectics drags that activate mental and physical activity of the organism, but primarily accentuate the excitatory center of satiation in the hypothalamus (phentermine, diethylpropion).In order to increase mental capability, nootropics — drugs that increase the functional state of the brain — are sometimes used, the effect of which is associated with blood flow and metabolism of the brain. 

Mechanism of Action An amphetamine that enhances the action of dopamine and norepinephrine by blocking their reuptake from synapses also inhibits monoamine oxidase and facilitates the release of catecholamines. Therapeutic Effect Increases motor activity and mental alertness decreases motor restlessness, drowsiness, and fatigue suppresses appetite. 

Mecfianism of Action A phenylalkylamine sympathomimetic with activity similar to amphetamines that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and elevates blood pressure (BP) most likely mediated via norepinephrine and dopamine metabolism. Causes stimulation of the hypothalamus. Therapeutic Effect Decreases appetite. Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of phendimetrazine tartrate has not been well established. Metabolized to active metabolite, phendimetrazine. Excreted in urine. Half-life 2-4 hr. 

Amphetamine, its derivatives and isomers are used mainly for their CNS effects which will be discussed later. They were once the drug of choice for appetite suppression(PNS and CNS effect) and were used for asthma. Effects related to their peripheral activity are anorexia, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias. 

The stimulating and mood-altering effects of amphetamines give them a high abuse potential. Side effects include insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, and paranoia. Amphetamines take a particularly hard toll on the heart. Hyperactive heart muscles are prone to tearing. Subsequent scarring of tissue ultimately leads to a weaker heart. Furthermore, amphetamines cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise, conditions that increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. 

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