Amphetamines: The Effects And Mechanisms Of Action Of This Drug
Consumption of products with stimulant effects It is common in today’s society. Coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks… all of this has an activating effect on our body that helps us be more awake and energetic and helps maintain our mood.
But apart from those mentioned there are other substances considered drugs, whose potency is much greater These are substances that, although they originated for medical use, are today also used recreationally, illegally, since they pose a health risk due to their addictive potential and side effects.
Within these stimulants we find cocaine and the type that we will talk about throughout this type, amphetamines
Amphetamines: type of substance and characteristics
Amphetamines are a type of substance classified within the group of excitants or psychoanaleptics These are synthetic chemical compounds derived from beta-phenyl-isopropylamine, although they are originally derived from substances derived from the Catha edulis plant.
The term “amphetamine” in question usually refers to the group of substances derived from amphetamine acid or of similar composition, although within amphetamines there is a subgroup named in the same way. As psychoactive activating agents, they cause an increase in the functioning of the nervous system, increasing wakefulness, alertness, and physical and mental energy.
Its effects on the body
Its effects on the body initially involve a feeling of euphoria and a considerable increase in energy, along with an expansive and uninhibited mood (although in some cases it can improve self-control). The subject remains awake and his cognitive abilities appear to be faster and enhanced. The consumer tends to increase their level of awareness, attention and concentration.
amphetamines generate the feeling of increased control capacity and self-confidence, in addition to giving the impression of clarity of thought. It also generates an increase in motor activity, increasing heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. They reduce sleep, fatigue and hunger.
Amphetamines have been used in a wide variety of circumstances: from medicinal use to treat various conditions to the increase in sports or even academic performance, through purely recreational use. They are usually consumed orally, although they can be administered intravenously or inhaled in powder form. Its effects are very similar to those of cocaine, although they present fewer risks than it.
Action mechanisms
The mechanism of action of amphetamines is based on the monoamine reuptake blockade, with special emphasis on dopamine and norepinephrine. In addition, they also influence the synthesis of these substances, causing more quantities to be generated. This causes the effects of these neurotransmitters to last longer as they remain longer in the synaptic space and are used by the postsynaptic neurons.
Amphetamines are therefore dopamine and norepinephrine agonists, which causes the pleasant sensations and increased energy typical of this group of substances. It is also true of serotonin, but to a much lesser degree.
Medical uses
Amphetamines are substances that, like most illegal drugs, originally have medicinal purposes. In the specific case of amphetamines, these medicinal uses are still valid in a large number of cases, often being used medicines based on or derived from this type of substance s to treat different ailments.
Specifically, today they are used in some treatments against obesity (since it causes an increase in activity while reducing sensations such as fatigue and appetite), narcolepsy (its excitatory effects can combat sleep episodes) and even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (in these cases amphetamine derivatives are used since they improve attention span and reduce impulsive symptoms in this type of population).
Although the use of amphetamines can be beneficial in some cases and generates a temporary increase in performance of physical and mental abilities the recreational and continued use of these substances can cause serious effects both in the short and long term, especially if poisoning occurs or if dependence is generated.
1. Dependency
Although they do not have as much hooking capacity as cocaine, amphetamines have a high addictive potential due to their action on the brain reward system and the progressive acquisition of tolerance which makes it necessary to consume more and more to notice the same effects.
2. Withdrawal syndrome
Abrupt withdrawal of amphetamine consumption can generate withdrawal syndromes, which usually generate effects opposite to those produced by their consumption. So, fatigue and decreased energy are usually observed nightmares, insomnia, craving or urge to consume, motor agitation, anxiety and depression, inability to concentrate or emotional lability.
3. Sleep problems
Whether it is limited to the area of ​​abstinence or not, one of the problems that amphetamine use can cause is difficulties when falling asleep or in the fact that it does not produce a feeling of rest.
4. Hallucinations and perceptual alterations
Although the action of amphetamines does not focus on this aspect, on occasions they have manifested the presence of visual hallucinations
5. Cardiorespiratory problems
Amphetamines have effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Especially when poisoning occurs, it can generate tachycardia, sweating and pressure increases which can lead in serious cases to cardiorespiratory arrest.
As we mentioned above, amphetamines cause a decrease in appetite. Although it can be beneficial for some people and is in fact used to treat obesity, this loss may end up generating nutritional problems such as anemia.
7. Motor disorders
In both intoxication and withdrawal, it is common for amphetamines to cause alterations in the musculoskeletal system. It is possible that weakness and slowness may occur or, on the contrary, agitation and tremors, which in cases of severe poisoning may lead to epileptic seizures.
8. Altered language
It is common that the consumption of amphetamines can cause logorrhea derived from the state of physical excitement. The subject has fast and profuse speech, although there may be a flight of ideas.
9. Emotional problems
It is common that in the long run the consumption of these substances generates emotional lability, going from happiness to sadness very easily and can generate anxiety or depression in the user. Also can lead to suicidal ideation
Related article: “Suicidal thoughts: causes, symptoms and therapy”
