Amphetamines: effects and mechanisms of action of this drug

Consumption of products with stimulating effects it is prevalent in today's society. Coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks... all this has an activating effect on our body that helps us to be more awake and energetic and that help maintain our mood.

But apart from those mentioned there are other substances considered drugs, whose potency is much higher. These are substances that, although they originated for medical use today, are also used recreationally, illegally as they pose a health risk due to their addictive potential and effects secondary.

Within these stimulants we find the cocaine and the type that is going to be talked about throughout this type, amphetamines.

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Amphetamines: type of substance and characteristics

Amphetamines are a type of substance classified within the group of excitatory or psychoanalptic. 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 compositionAlthough within amphetamines there is a subgroup named in the same way. As activating psychoactive 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 suppose a feeling of euphoria and a significant 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 seem to be faster and to be 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 an impression of clarity of thought. It also generates an increase in motor activity, increasing the heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. They decrease 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 as a powder. Its effects are very similar to those of cocaine, although they present fewer risks than this.

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Action mechanisms

The mechanism of action of amphetamines is based on the monoamine reuptake block, with special emphasis on those of the dopamine and the noradrenaline. In addition, they also influence the synthesis of these substances, causing more quantity to be generated. This causes the effects of these neurotransmitters to last longer by staying longer in the synaptic space and being used by postsynaptic neurons

Amphetamines are thus dopamine and norepinephrine agonists, which causes the pleasurable and energy-boosting sensations typical of this group of substances. It is also from the serotonin, but to a much lesser degree.

Medical uses

Amphetamines are substances that, like most illegal drugs, are originally intended for medicinal purposes. In the specific case of amphetamines, these medicinal uses are still in force in a large number of cases, often being used medicines based on or derived from this type of substances 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 arousal effects can combat sleep episodes) and even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (In these cases, amphetamine derivatives are used since they improve attention capacity and reduce impulsive symptoms in this type of population).

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Side effects and risks

While 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 continuous 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. Dependence

Although they do not have as much hooking capacity as cocaine, amphetamines have a high addictive potential due to their action on the brain's reward system and the progressive acquisition of tolerance which means that more and more consumption is necessary to notice the same effects.

2. Abstinence syndrome

Abrupt withdrawal from amphetamine use can lead to withdrawal syndromes, which tend to have opposite effects to those produced by its use. A) Yes, fatigue and decreased energy are usually observed, nightmares, insomnia, craving or urge to consume, motor agitation, anxiety Y depression, inability to concentrate or emotional lability.

3. Sleeping problems

Whether it is confined to the withdrawal field or not, one of the problems that amphetamine use can cause is difficulties falling asleep or in the fact that it does not produce a feeling of rest.

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4. Hallucinations and perceptual disturbances

Although the action of amphetamines does not focus on this aspect, on occasions they have manifested the presence of visual hallucinations.

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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 that can lead to severe cases in cardiorespiratory arrest.

6. Appetite

As mentioned above, amphetamines cause a decrease in appetite. Although it can be beneficial for some people and is actually used to treat obesity, this loss may end up causing nutritional problems such as anemia.

7. Motor disturbances

In both intoxication and withdrawal, amphetamines frequently cause alterations in the locomotor system. It is possible that weakness and slowing down or, on the contrary, agitation and tremors are generated, which in cases of severe poisoning can lead to epileptic seizures.

8. Altered language

Amphetamine use can often cause logorrhea derived from a state of physical arousal. The subject has a rapid and profuse speech, although there may be a brain drain.

9. Emotional problems

It is common that in the long run the consumption of these substances generates emotional lability, going from joy to sadness with great ease and can generate anxiety or depression in its user. Also they can generate suicidal ideations.

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