Amphetamines mental effects

Cocaine Cocaine has marked amphetamine-like effects ( super-speed ). Its abuse continues to be widespread in the USA, partly because of the availability of a free-base form ( crack ) that can be smoked. The euphoria, self-confidence, and mental alertness produced by cocaine are short-lasting and positively reinforce its continued use. 

The answer is a. (Hardman, p 22L Katzang, p L3L) Methylphenidate is similar to amphetamine and acts as a CN5 stimulant, with more pronounced effects on mental than on motor activities. It is effective in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. 

Khat produces effects similar to those of other monoamine stimulants, (i.e., increases in mental stimulation, physical endurance, elevated mood) (Widler etal. 1994 Kalix 1994 Brenneisen etal. 1990). Stimulus generalization occurs between cathinone, amphetamine, and cocaine, suggesting similar subjective effects (Huang and Wilson 1986). Similar to other monoamine stimulants, cathinone causes dose-dependent reductions in eating and body weight (Islam et al. 1990 Zelger and Carlini 1980). Oral cathinone increases sexual arousal in rats, but does not affect erectile or ejaculatory responses (Taha et al. 1995). 

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. 

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. 

As drugs of mixed action, amphetamines activate adrenergic receptors and simultaneously release endogenic catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) from neurons of the brain and periphery. Sympathomimetic effects on the periphery are very similar to those of ephedrine. Amphetamine elevates systolic and diastolic blood pressure and has weakly expressed, broncholytic action. These effects are more prolonged, yet less expressed, than with epinephrine. The distinctive feature of amphetamines is their psychostimulatory activity. Larger doses can cause hallucinations and mental conditions similar to paranoid schizophrenia. As a sympathomimetic, amphetamine is sometimes used for uterine inertia. Synonyms of amphetamine are phenamine and benzedrine. 

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. 

Cocaine acts similarly to amphetamine with regard to its ability to enhance the effects of the catecholamines and serotonin at the synapse. The actions of cocaine on the brain lead to increased alertness, reduced hunger, increased physical and mental endurance, increased motor activity, and an intensification of most normal pleasures. This last feature may explain why so many claim that cocaine enhances emotional and sexual feelings. Cocaine abusers usually co-administer other drugs that are brain depressants (e.g., alcohol, heroin, or marijuana) to decrease the unpleasant hyperstimulant aspects of cocaine. 

Sibutramine (Meridia), a weight-loss drug introduced in 1998, inhibits the reuptake of the brain chemicals norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, but does not promote monoamine release like the amphetamines. Yet the drug has been linked to serious side effects, including rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, seizure, and mental impairments. In March 2002, Italy s Health Ministry announced that it was immediately withdrawing all sibutramine products from the market due to health-related problems. Also, Meridia was the subject of a class action lawsuit filed in the United States. 

Pigeau R, Naitoh P, Buguet A, McCann C, Baranski J, Taylor M, Thompson M, Mack I. Modafinil, 4-amphetamine and placebo during 64 hours of sustained mental work. I. Effects on mood, fatigue, cognitive performance and body temperature. J Sleep Res 1995 4 212-228. 

One common pattern of amphetamine or cocaine abuse is called a "run." Repeated smoked or intravenous injections are self-administered to obtain a "rush"—an orgasm-like reaction—followed by a feeling of mental alertness and marked euphoria. When free base cocaine is smoked, entry through the lungs is almost as fast as by intravenous injection, so that effects are more accentuated... 

After tests with dogs, which indicated that these two compounds were one third to one half as active in their peripheral effects as mescaline and amphetamine, Alles swallowed 36 mg. of MDA. During the following two hours, he noticed neither physical nor mental sensations. He then took an additional 90 mg. 

Randrup, A., 8c Munkva, I. (1970). Correlation between specific effects of amphetamines on the brain and on behavior. In E. H. Ellinwood 8c S. Cohen (Eds.), Current concepts on amphetamine abuse Proceedings of a workshop, Duke University Medical Center, June 5-6, 1970. Rockville, MD National Institute of Mental Health. 

In the second study there were 174 patients in two similar experimental groups in whom injectable rather than inhaled heroin was used (5). A response to treatment was defined as at least a 40% improvement in physical, mental, or social domains of quality of life, if not accompanied by a substantial (over 20%) increase in the use of another illicit drug, such as cocaine or amphetamines. After 12 months those who took methadone and heroin (smoked or injected) had significantly better outcomes. The incidences of adverse effects (constipation and drowsiness) were similar in all the groups. However, owing to the limitations of the study and the complex nature of drug dependence, the therapeutic outcomes could not be justifiably and solely attributed to the specific drug(s). 

Now, noradrenaline acts m many of the same ways as adrenaline, the hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, also in response to emergencies. Experiences that cause the adrenals to secrete adrenaline into the bloodstream produce feelings very much like those of stimulant drugs. The rush of excitement one gets on a roller coaster ride, for example, may feel a lot like the effect of a dose of amphetamine, and no doubt both these techniques are popular for the same reason — because they give people a sense of increased mental and physical energy, and make them feel, temporarily at least, more alive. 

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