In 1971, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs - now the U.S. Those depressing feelings may drive people to continue using the drug so that the dopamine and the positive feelings it produces return. Removing these receptors decreases the person's ability to feel pleasure and can increase depression or suicidal thoughts when the person's not using the drug, according to American Addiction Centers. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Addiction and abuseĪmphetamines, particularly methamphetamine, can be highly addictive.Īmphetamine can cause the brain to produce such high amounts of dopamine that the brain compensates by getting rid of dopamine receptors, Franssen said, similar to how we cover our ears to decrease the volume when someone is shouting at us. "The increase of dopamine, as well as the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, hallucinations and psychosis, similar to schizophrenia," Franssen said.Ĭhemical structure of amphetamine. Together, those two chemicals can also have other mental effects. Norepinephrine causes the physical side effects, such as increased respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. Side effects such as enhanced mood are linked to the increase production and release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.Īmphetamines also cause an increase in norepinephrine, the hormone involved with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is what controls our "fight-or-flight" mechanism, Franssen said. Convulsions or Parkinson's-like tremors.Memory loss, confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.Increased heart rate and blood pressure.Increased wakefulness and physical activity.According to MedlinePlus, side effects of taking amphetamines include: But as with any prescribed medication, there are potential side effects.Īmphetamines can have a powerful effect on the body and brain, even when taken only once.
When taken properly, amphetamine-based medications can be safe and effective. The mechanism was unclear, and more research is needed to determine if amphetamines can be used for long-term weight loss and maintenance.
#AMPHETAMINE EXAMPLE TRIAL#
A 2015 clinical trial published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reported that patients who took amphetamine medications experienced increased weight loss and motivation. There's some evidence that amphetamines may treat obesity by acting as appetite suppressants. The medications are available without a prescription but are stored behind the pharmacy counter because they can be illegally used to brew methamphetamine, according to the American Council on Science and Health. The amphetamine stimulants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose this helps open up the airways, allowing for easier breathing.
This allows the prefrontal cortex to regain control.Ĭertain formulations of amphetamine, typically pseudoephedrine, are used in medications that treat cold symptoms, such as Sudafed, Franssen said. " People with ADHD have too little dopamine in the prefrontal cortex - the rational thinking, cognitive, planning part of your brain - the part of your brain that tells the rest of your brain to calm down," said Catherine Franssen, assistant professor of biopsychology and director of neurostudies at Longwood University in Virginia.Īn amphetamine-based medication, such as Adderall or Ritalin, increases dopamine production in the connections between the prefrontal cortex and other locations in the brain, Franssen explained. (Image credit: Shutterstock) How amphetamines workĪmphetamines are used in treatments for ADD and ADHD, obesity, narcolepsy, and Parkinson's disease, according to CESAR.
Amphetamines come from the ephedra plant.
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