What is an amphetamine and its effects?

Amphetamine

Category: Stimulants

Amphetamines are substances obtained by chemical synthesis from the phenylethylamine precursor. In technical terms they are “designer drugs”.

The forms normally found on the clandestine market are made up of tablets, coated tablets, tablets, drops or injectable solutions, white, crystalline powder, sold in aluminum foil or small plastic bags.

This class of substances includes amphetamine, the parent compound, methoxyiamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine and many, many, others. This category of substances also includes many drugs generally used as psychostimulants and / or anorectics.

The parent compound was first synthesized in 1887 and used to treat colds through inhalations. The stimulating effect was discovered in 1922.

There are many, some definitions are as follows: for amphetamine “Speed”, “Crystal”, “Bennie” and, when combined with heroin, “Frisco Speed”. For methamphetamine “Speed”, “Meth”, “Crank”. For d-methamphetamine “Ice”, “Rocks”, “Shabu”, etc. etc.

Method of recruitment

Generally oral, however, they can also be taken intravenously or by inhalation.

Mechanism of action

The effects of amphetamines are attributed to changes in the function and integrity of the serotonergic system.

Basically, they increase the release of serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling sleep, mood, sexual behavior and hunger.

After the initial massive release of serotonin, the amphetamines cause an opposite effect, resulting in the blocking of serotonin synthesis. In fact, the enzyme tryptophan – hydroxylase responsible for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter is inhibited.

Euphoric effects

In addition to the effects already known from the pharmacological use of stimulant, sympathomimetic, euphorigenic substances that are established 15 to 60 minutes after taking, the users of these substances experience emotional release, increased feelings of self-esteem and a breaking of communication barriers. .

Other effects

These substances also induce temporary increases in performance (doping), loss of appetite (anorectic) and the elimination of the need for sleep.

Side effects

They generally consist of acoustic and visual hallucinations, nervousness, irritation, disorientation, high blood pressure, increased heart rate and body temperature.

Special dangers

Neurotoxicity

One of the most serious dangers, which particularly distinguishes this class of substances from other classes of drugs, is the high neurotoxicity. In-depth studies on animals and, subsequently, on human volunteers, have demonstrated the irreversible degeneration of neurons which, in practice, “burn”. In cases where degenerated cells grow back it has been noted how this growth gives rise to “mutated” and inactive neurons. These conditions are very similar to those underlying epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Other dangers

Episodes, often fatal, related to paranoid psychosis, cardiovascular collapse, cerebral haemorrhage and heart attack have been repeatedly reported.

Addiction

Dependence on these substances is exclusively psychological (despite occasional situations of migraine and depression in the absence of intake). Amphetamines also develop and increase tolerance as the dose increases