Amphetamine

Amphetamine is an appetite suppressant and stimulant. It has the ability to stimulate the brain and nerves (central nervous system) by increasing the amount of chemicals in the body. The use of the drug is said to increase a persons heart rate and blood pressure, as well as promoting appetite loss.

Amphetamine is commonly used to treat patients with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity or ADHD. Benefits of using amphetamine on ADHD patients include improved concentration, decreased sensory overstimulation, impulse control, decreased anxiety and irritability,

Patients suffering from narcolepsy or other forms of sleeping disorders can also use amphetamine as treatment. Doctors also use this drug along with anti-depressant therapy for acute cases of depressions. Obese and overweight individuals may also use lighter dosage of amphetamine to promote weight loss.

Suggested dosage of amphetamine may depend according to the treatment. Use of amphetamines in narcolepsy patients, especially adults, ranges from 5 to 60mg per day, which is mostly taken as two small doses.

Children between 6 to 12 years of age are advised to take 5mg a day, while those above 12 years old takes 10mg a day. Patients suffering from obesity are given 5 to 30mg in divided doses, which are given one and a half hour before each meal.

ADHD treatment using amphetamine follows the dosage of 5mg per day for age of 6 years old and above. Dosage is halved for children below 6 years old.

Side effects commonly attributed to the use of amphetamine are:


• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• insomnia
• headache
• restlessness
• shakiness
• dry mouth with a metallic taste (said to be one of the reason for appetite loss)
• diarrhea and constipation
• weight loss

Aside from the minor side effects mentioned above, taking in amphetamine above the prescribed dosage may cause a change in a person's sex drive, allergic reactions, chills, depression, irritability or mood swings, and problems with the digestive system. Higher doses of amphetamine is said to cause addiction, aggression, dependence, and a series of psychotic episodes that may prove to be a danger to the patient, as well as those around them.

It is advisable for patients to inform their doctors in their use of amphetamine before undergoing any treatment. Over-the-counter medications might have an adverse affect to a person under the effects of amphetamine that can cause fatal episodes of increased heartbeat and blood pressure.

Cold medications are said to be a bad combination with amphetamine. Other interactions with amphetamine include antacids, furoxone, sodium bicarbonate, and other medications that controls high-blood pressures is believed to have adverse effects with the drug.

People who are taking in amphetamine should not immediately stop its use. Doctors advise to slowly decrease the dosage until it is discontinued. Avoid taking amphetamine in the evenings since it might affect normal sleeping patters, as well as the onset of hazardous activities, like driving or extreme sports. Consult your doctor or health expert before taking in this drug.

Amphetamine has the following structural formula: