Amphetamines
Research articles about the effects of amphetamines.
Amphetamine Toxicity
General Introduction
Much of the scientific literature as to the acute toxic effects of amphetamines has focused on amphetamine psychosis – a condition similar to schizophrenia. This condition tends to be associated with use of the drug at high dosages and/or for prolonged periods. The maximum therapeutic dose is 60mg dexamphetamine (equivalent to 120mg ‘pure’ illicit amphetamine which is an equal mix of two stereoisomers – d-amphet being psychoactive whereas l-amphet is not), but even therapeutic doses can give rise to psychotic symptoms.
Amphetamine use and purity
Amphetamine Consumption Patterns
Amphetamine is a Class B drug which nonetheless shows some features of physical dependence. The main effects are an increase in alertness and tolerance of physical activity Tolerance to the stimulant effects develops rapidly - the main reason why widespread prescribing of the drug for obesity was restricted. A therapeutic dose of 5mg (pure) amphetamine may have the same effect in a novice user as 300mg in a heavily dependent user.
Amphetamine and Pain Relief
Amphetamine was widely prescribed until the mid 1960s as a stimulant and appetite-suppressant, until the dependence-potential of amphetamine (and other stimulants) led to a falling out of favour among the medical profession. Amphetamine, although a controlled drugs, is still prescribable for certain conditions (e.g. narcolepsy), and appears in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drug Regulations 1985, meaning that it can be prescribed for medical treatment subject to proper monitoring and reporting criteria.
Amphetamine & Sex
1.1 Amphetamine was widely prescribed until the mid 1960s as a stimulant and appetite-suppressant, until the dependence-potential of amphetamine (and other stimulants) led to a falling out of favour among the medical profession. Amphetamine, although a controlled drugs, is still prescribable for certain conditions (e.g. narcolepsy)[i], and appears in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drug Regulations 1985, meaning that it can be prescribed for medical treatment subject to proper monitoring and reporting criteria.
