Psychological effects amphetamines

Amphetamines constitute a large group of sympathomimetic drugs. These substances stimulate the CNS. They were earlier used to control obesity and to resist sleep (nar-colepsis), and in the treatment of depression. Their clinical application, however, has decreased in recent years because of their adverse psychological effect. Amphetamines are strongly addictive compounds. Repeated use leads to dependence and the development of tolerance. 

Nash, H. Psychologic effects of amphetamines and barbituates. J Nerv Ment Dis 1962 134 203-217. 

Because of the known physiological activities of adrenaline and mescaline, chemists have synthesized compounds with similar structures. One such compound is amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant. Amphetamine and a close relative, methamphetamine, are used clinically as appetite suppressants. Methamphetamine is the street dmg known as speed because of its rapid and intense psychological effects. Two other synthetic substituted benzenes, BHA and BHT, are preservatives (see Section 9.8) found in a wide variety of packaged foods. These compounds represent just a few of the many substituted benzenes that have been synthesized for commercial use by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. 

Methamphetamine or l-phenyl-2-(methy-lamine)propane is another widely abused drug. It is also known as speed . At higher doses, this strong CNS stimulant produces delusions and bizarre visual and auditory hallucinations. Chronic use at high doses can produce schizophrenia-like conditions. The toxic and psychological effects are similar to those of other amphetamine drugs. Its pharmaceutical uses have been discontinued. 

Snyder, S.H. Faillace, L. and Weingartner, H. A new psychotropic agent Psychological and physiological effects of 2,5 demethoxy-4-ethyl amphetamine (DOET) in man. Arch Gen Psychiatry 21 95-101. 1969. Timmermans, P.B.M.W.M., and Van Zwieten, P.A. Alpha, adrenoreceptors Classification, localization mechanisms and targets for drugs. J Med Chem 25 1389-1401, 1982. 

The patterns of anabolic-androgenic steroid use by sportspeople and body-builders, and their physical and psychological side-effects and dependence potential, have been very well reviewed by Brower (2002). Much of the use is by injection, and so many of this population attend needle exchanges, with the advice on reducing infection risks relevant. To increase energy, burn fat and to go through the pain barrier some will use amphetamines and opiates, either street preparations or illicit pharmaceutical supplies. In the UK the opioid nalbuphine (Nubain) has been abused in this way and, in cases where dependence becomes established, detoxification treatments can be necessary. 

Dextroamphetamines are a part of the amphetamine class of drugs, central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that are used in the treatment of certain brain-based disorders. Because of their long-lasting and potent stimulant effects, they are also highly physically and psychologically addictive and have a high rate of abuse. 

Ritalin is a mild stimulant. On the contrary, the studies found that Ritalin, although effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD, shows no clear long-term improvement on users and can have dangerous effects on health, including death. Because the effects of Ritalin on humans are virtually identical to those produced by cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine (speed), the researchers noted that its abuse liability is high and can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence. 

Tolerance to the mood-altering effects and psychological dependency develop as with cocaine, and symptoms of withdrawal appear when the drug is stopped. Laboratory animals who have learned to self-administer amphetamines have been observed to choose drugs instead of food and water they die from exhaustion in their frantic efforts to feed their high. —... 

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