Euphoria, ephedrine

It is a synthetic compound with structural similarity to ephedrine and is available in racemic and dextro isomers. It increases the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Amphetamine is a potent CNS stimulant and causes alertness, insomnia, increased concentration, euphoria or dysphoria and increased work capacity. Amphetamine produces wakefulness and improved physical performance. It contracts the sphincter of the bladder and relaxes the bronchial smooth muscle in large doses. Amphetamines are drugs of abuse and can produce behavioural abnormalities and can precipitate psychosis. It can produce psychological but no physical dependence. 

Ephedrine was a popular ingredient in many diet pills and muscle and energy boosters for decades. Ephedrine-based products were marketed to teenagers and young adults as having the ability to produce euphoria (feelings of pleasure) and increased sexual sensations, energy, and alertness. However, over the last decade, scientists have linked ephedrine use to numerous heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. 

Look-alikes contain caffeine, ephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, either singly or in combination. Ephedrine is a natural stimulant with a chemical structure resembling adrenaline that produces more anxiety and less euphoria than amphetamines. It... 

Amphetamine and methamphetamine (Figure 34-19) are CNS stimulant drugs that have limited legitimate pharmacological use. ° They are used to treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. However, they produce an initial euphoria and have a high abuse potential. Other sympathomimetic amines that also have high potential for abuse include the designer amphetamines, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). 

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