Amphetamine respiratory effects

As would be expected, khat overuse produces symptoms similar to those of other monoamine stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamine, including signs of sympathetic overarousal. In the extreme this can involve a toxic psychosis. Disorders more frequently associated with chronic khat use in males are headaches, anorexia, insomnia, constipation, and respiratory illnesses (Kennedy et al. 1983). Females report higher incidences of acute gastritis, jaundice, bronchitis and hepatic diseases. Also, cathinone has toxic reproductive effects in humans and experimental animals (Islam et al. 1990). It decreases sperm count and motility, and increases the number of abnormal sperm cells. It also decreases plasma testosterone in rats. 

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. 

It is believed that the mechanism of action of amphetamines lies in their ability to release epinephrine (adrenaline) and dopamine from presynaptic nerve endings, which stimulate the corresponding receptors in the CNS. It is also possible that they reduce neuronal uptake of amines as well as inhibit their degradation by monoaminoxidase (MAO). Characteristic of this series of compounds is the effect on the respiratory center, on the satiation center located in the hypothalamus, which leads to suppression of feelings of hunger, thus allowing analog of the examined compounds to be used as anorectics. 

Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant similar to amphetamine however, in usual doses it has a more expressed action on mental activity rather than physical or motor activity. In therapeutic doses it does not raise blood pressure, respiratory rate, or increase heart rate. All of these effects as well as a number of others are associated with general excitement of the CNS. Tremor, tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, and a state of confusion can result from using large doses. It is used in treating moderate depression and apathetic conditions, and also as an adjuvant drug for treating attention deficit disorder in children.Synonyms of this dmg are meridil, ritalin, and others. 

Pharmacology Amphetamines are sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. CNS effects are mediated by release of norepinephrine from central noradrenergic neurons. Peripheral activities include elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and weak bronchodilator and respiratory stimulant action. Pharmacokinetics ... 

Halliday R, Gregory K, Naylor H, et al Beyond drug effects and dependent variables the use of the Poisson-Erlang model to assess the effects of d-amphetamine on information processing. Acta Psychologica 73 35-54, 1990 Hallman M, Bry K, Hoppu K, et al Inositol supplementation in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. N Engl J Med 326 1233-1239, 1992 Hamik A, Peroutka S MCPP interaction with neurotransmitter receptors in human brain. Biol Psychiatry 25 569-575, 1989... 

Effects on brain centers controlling movement may be experienced as muscle stiffness, tremor or uncontrollable shaking, jaw clenching, and nervous tics. Like amphetamine, piperazines produce increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can be dangerous or even fatal. At high doses, piperazines may produce hallucinations, seizures or convulsions, and respiratory depression that can cause death. 

Because amphetamines are anorectics (appetite suppressants), these drugs were formerly the treatment of choice for obesity. Due to the potential for abuse and for adverse side effects such as increased heart and respiratory rate, and increased blood pressure, these drugs... 

Both cocaine and the amphetamines are sympathomimetic drugs that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and cause pupil dilation. Other effects of stimulants include anorectic effects, increased alertness and arousal, mood elevation, and at low doses, enhanced performance on a variety of tasks. 

Chlorpromazine increases the respiratory-depressant effects of meperidine, as do tricyclic antidepressants this is not true of diazepam. Concurrent administration of drugs such as promethazine or chlorpromazine also may greatly enhance meperidine-induced sedation without slowing clearance of the drug. Treatment with phenobar-bital or phenytoin increases systemic clearance and decreases oral bioavailability of meperidine this is associated with an elevation of the concentration of normeperidine in plasma. As with morphine, concomitant administration of an amphetamine has been reported to enhance the analgesic effects of meperidine and its congeners while counteracting sedation. 

B. Toxicodynamics Toxicodynamics is a term used to denote the injurious effects of toxins, ie, their pharmacodynamics. A knowledge of toxicodynamics can be useful in the diagnosis and management of poisoning. For example, hypertension and tachycardia are typically seen in overdoses with amphetamines, cocaine, and antimuscarinic drugs. Hypotension with bradycardia occurs with overdoses of calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and sedative-hypnotics. Hypotension with tachycardia occurs with tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, and theophylline. Hyperthermia is most frequently a result of overdose of drugs with antimuscarinic actions, the salicylates, or sympathomimetics. Hypothermia is more likely to occur with toxic doses of ethanol and other CNS depressants. Increased respiratory rate is often a feature of... 

Nalbuphine is less likely to depress respiratory function than meperidine Tolerance to ocular and gastrointestinal effects develops rapidly during chronic use Mental retardation, microcephaly, and underdevelopment of the mid face region in an infant is associated with chronic maternal abuse of (A) Amphetamine Cocaine Ethanol Mescaline Phencyclidine... 

---