Amphetamine

Michelle LubranoTeaching Concepts of Health Education I

Drug Investigation AssignmentSpring 2010

Amphetamine Names

Street Names: • Bennies, crank, black beauties, bumble bees, co-pilots,

crystal meth, dexies, hearts

Brand Names:• Adderall and dexedrine

Chemical Name:• amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and

methamphetamines

What is Amphetamine?(Stimulant and Appetite suppressant)

Amphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the body.

Main Action of Amphetamine;

Increase the synaptic activity of the dopamine and norepinephrine.

• cause the release of dopamine from axon terminals. • block dopamine reuptake. • inhibit the storage of dopamine in vesicles. • inhibit the destruction of dopamine by enzymes.

Amphetamine primarily used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD).

History of Amphetamine

• First synthesized in 1887 in Germany• Marketed first in 1992 as a Benzedrine inhaler (asthma)• 1935 Dexedrine (narcolepsy)• 1940s –widely used as diet pills• Used in WWII by military to decrease fatigue• 1970 10 billion amphetamine pills were produced in USA per year• at least 10% of USA population > 14 years old had used some

form of this drug (dieters, students, truck drivers, laborers, etc.)• Now used for narcolepsy, ADD, & ADHD

**Rated 8.6 out of 10 by Drugs.com**

Effects of Amphetamines Psychological Effects:

low dose alertness, euphoria, increased motor performance and energy, irritability, restlessness, and panic.

High doses brief psychosis, increased aggressiveness, and antisocial behaviors.Physical Effects:

Body becomes ready for "fight or flight“

stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure

Part of Body it Effects:• Central Nervous System (CNS) • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Amphetamines…

How do you take it?• With a full glass of water• Do not take in evening (insomnia)• Don’t crush, chew, or open any amphetamine capsules.

Swallow them whole.• Only take amount prescribed to you• May also be sniffed or injected

What do they look like?• Small round pills or capsules• White, or clear crystallized, some with tints of yellow/blue

Withdrawal

Abusers can easily become addicted.

Amphetamine effects are similar to cocaine.

Tolerance Effect.

Withdrawal symptoms:• Confusion, apathy, irritability, depression, increased appetite

and need for sleep• Should talk to a doctor before going off of amphetamines if

taken for a long time

Short & Long Term Effects

Short Term• Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Reduced appetite • Dilation of the pupils • Feelings of happiness

and power • Reduced fatigue

Long Term• Insomnia, restlessness • "Paranoid psychosis" • Hallucinations • Violent and aggressive behavior • Weight loss • Tremors

Recap!What have you learned?

• What parts of the body do they effect?• What is amphetamine?• What possible side effects?• What does it treat?

Resources• http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/amphetamines/amphetamines_chemis

try.shtml• http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/assess/streetdrugs.htm• http://www.drugs.com/amphetamine.html• http://psych.fullerton.edu/mwhite/475pdf/475Stimulants-Amphetamines

Cocaine.pdf• http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/amp.html