Amphetamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Amphetamines 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. Norepinephrine causes the physical side effects, such as increased respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. When taken properly, amphetamine-based medications can be safe and effective. Amphetamine is a medication used in the management and treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

• Also call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain or a fast heartbeat or if you faint or feel your heartbeat more than usual.
• In the U.S., an estimated 4.8 million people ages 12 and up abused their amphetamine-based prescriptions and about 1.7 million used methamphetamine in 2015, according to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
• The paper by Daberkow et al. (2013) also speaks to the importance of the ratio of cue-induced phasic DA release relative to the pre-cue DA baseline in the facilitation of goal-directed behaviors.

AMPHs and Catecholamine Neurons of the PAG

This is why long-term or non-prescribed amphetamine use has been linked to dependence and diminished emotional regulation. Cognitive impairments and memory deficits are common among long-term amphetamine users. The very drug that once enhanced focus and mental acuity can, over time, lead to difficulties with attention, decision-making, and memory recall. With all this neurotransmitter chaos, it’s no wonder amphetamine has such profound effects on cognition and behavior. Users often report enhanced focus and attention, https://shop.noorexclusive.online/10-rappers-that-stay-away-from-weed/ feeling like they can conquer any task with laser-like precision.

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• Amphetamine oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking.
• Unfortunately, illicit use of Adderall has become far too common, especially among high school and college students who look to the “study drug” for enhanced performance.
• The same review did find evidence suggesting a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of ADHD (266), which is consistent with a meta-analysis finding elevated levels of oxidative stress in patients diagnosed with ADHD (267).
• It is likely that NE operates at some level within DA neurons to alter synaptic plasticity.
• The ventral anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex subserve affective and cognitive components of executive control.

Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It’s commonly used to treat conditions like ADHD but is also known for its potential misuse. One of the concerns with amphetamine use is its impact on cognitive function. Amphetamines trigger the release of dopamine and inhibit its drug addiction reuptake, leading to a build-up of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is closely tied to feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation.

Medical Professionals

In previous reviews, we have extensively described the efficacy and safety of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs used in the management of ADHD and compared the relative merits of each (Heal et al., 2009, 2012). This analysis has revealed that the stimulants, including amphetamine, are still accepted to be the most efficacious drugs available. Some attempts to introduce new medications, for example guanfacine XR Amphetamine Addiction (Intuniv®) have been successful, but many other new pharmacological approaches have failed (see Heal et al., 2012).

A1/C1 neurons are anatomically organized in a roughly viscerotopic manner, in order to allow specific subsets of cells to control different visceral functions, encompassing circulation, breathing, glycemia, inflammation (Guyenet et al., 2013). A1/C1 neurons are mostly involved in regulating blood pressure (Reis et al., 1984). In fact, apart from activating pre-ganglionic vasomotor neurons, A1/C1 neurons control vasopressin release and sodium/water balance (Blessing and Willoughby, 1985; Guyenet, 2006). Thus, due to a powerful NE-release by AMPHs, it is expected that all regions being innervated by the A1/C1 complex will be activated during AMPHs administration.

Seek immediate medical care for serious side effects like an allergic reaction. If you’re sensitive or allergic to other stimulant medicines, you should not take Adderall. Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can decrease the benefits of the medication while increasing adverse effects like sedation.

Amphetamine-Induced Locomotor Activity and Stereotypy

If Adderall causes unwanted side effects that affect your day-to-day functioning or quality of life, your doctor may lower your dose or suggest a different drug. They can help determine a safe decrease in dosage and monitor and treat side effects. Some side effects, such as heart problems, mood changes, or psychotic symptoms, can be dangerous. While these symptoms may go away before long, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have symptoms that affect your daily life, seem unusual, or make you feel concerned in any way.

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 6.4% of college students reported nonmedical use of Adderall in the past year.
• Many users report feeling more confident, talkative, and socially engaged while under the influence of Adderall.

Continuous exposure can lead to changes in brain plasticity, potentially dulling the natural reward response and making it harder for users to experience pleasure without the drug. With repeated use, the brain begins to rely on the presence of amphetamines to maintain normal neurotransmitter function, paving the way for dependence and withdrawal. As amphetamines affect the way the brain processes dopamine naturally, cessation can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Once a tolerance to amphetamines has built up, users will feel the need to take the drug constantly to feel normal levels of happiness. This is a physical dependence on the drug and can make it extremely difficult to stop. Signs of Adderall abuse may include increased energy, decreased appetite, insomnia, erratic behavior, and secretive or deceptive actions related to obtaining or using the drug.

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Misuse of these substances, however, can lead to lasting consequences for both mental and physical well-being. While caffeine offers similar (albeit milder) short-term effects, it also shares some of the same pitfalls—such as dependence or withdrawal symptoms when eliminated abruptly. Adderall is highly effective as prescribed, but misuse or over-reliance can strain the brain and body over time.