Amphetamines

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Amphetamines Amphetamines WHAT ARE AMPHETAMINES? What is their effect on the mind? Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the The effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine, body’s system. Some are legally prescribed and used but their onset is slower and their duration is longer. to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and is almost completely metabolized, WHAT IS THEIR ORIGIN? methamphetamine remains in the central nervous Amphetamines were first marketed in the 1930s as system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat remains unchanged in the body, producing prolonged nasal congestion. stimulant effects. By 1937 amphetamines were available by Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that prescription in tablet form and were used in the resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by treatment of the sleeping disorder narcolepsy and paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s ADHD. own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Over the years, the use and abuse of clandestinely Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among produced amphetamines have spread. Today, chronic users of amphetamines. clandestine laboratory production of amphetamines has mushroomed, and the abuse of the drug has What is their effect on the body? increased dramatically. Physical effects of amphetamine use include: • Increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss What are common street names? of appetite, and physical exhaustion Common street names include: • Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed, and Uppers What are their overdose effects? Overdose effects include: What do they look like? • Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, Amphetamines can look like pills or powder. convulsions, and possible death Common prescription amphetamines include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine Which drugs cause similar effects? (Adderall®), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®), Drugs that cause similar effects include: lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse™) and • Dexmethylphendiate, phendimetrazine, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine (Desoxyn®). and khat How are they abused? What is their legal status in the United States? Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected. Many amphetamines are Schedule II stimulants, However, the addition of “ice,” the slang name which means that they have a high potential for of crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride, has abuse and a currently acceptable medical use (in promoted smoking as another mode of FDA-approved products). Pharmaceutical products administration. Just as “crack” is smokable cocaine, are available only through a prescription that cannot “ice” is smokable methamphetamine. be refilled..
Recommended publications
  • EL PASO INTELLIGENCE CENTER DRUG TREND Synthetic Stimulants Marketed As Bath Salts
    LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE EPIC Tactical Intelligence Bulletins EL PASO INTELLIGENCE CENTER DRUG TREND TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN EB11-16 ● Synthetic Stimulants Marketed as Bath Salts ● March 8, 2011 This document is the property of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is marked Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES). Further dissemination of this document is strictly forbidden except to other law enforcement agencies for criminal law enforcement purposes. The following information must be handled and protected accordingly. Summary Across the United States, synthetic stimulants that are sold as “bath salts”¹ have become a serious drug abuse threat. These products are produced under a variety of faux brand names, and they are indirectly marketed as legal alternatives to cocaine, amphetamine, and Ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Poison control centers nationwide have received hundreds of calls related to the side-effects of, and overdoses from, the use of these potent and unpredictable products. Numerous media reports have cited bath salt stimulant overdose incidents that have resulted in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and severe psychotic episodes, some of which, have led to violent outbursts, self-inflicted wounds, and even suicides. A number of states have imposed emergency measures to ban bath salt stimulant products (or the chemicals in them) including Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, and West Virginia; and similar measures are pending in Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, and Mississippi. A prominent U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • FSI-D-16-00226R1 Title
    Elsevier Editorial System(tm) for Forensic Science International Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: FSI-D-16-00226R1 Title: An overview of Emerging and New Psychoactive Substances in the United Kingdom Article Type: Review Article Keywords: New Psychoactive Substances Psychostimulants Lefetamine Hallucinogens LSD Derivatives Benzodiazepines Corresponding Author: Prof. Simon Gibbons, Corresponding Author's Institution: UCL School of Pharmacy First Author: Simon Gibbons Order of Authors: Simon Gibbons; Shruti Beharry Abstract: The purpose of this review is to identify emerging or new psychoactive substances (NPS) by undertaking an online survey of the UK NPS market and to gather any data from online drug fora and published literature. Drugs from four main classes of NPS were identified: psychostimulants, dissociative anaesthetics, hallucinogens (phenylalkylamine-based and lysergamide-based materials) and finally benzodiazepines. For inclusion in the review the 'user reviews' on drugs fora were selected based on whether or not the particular NPS of interest was used alone or in combination. NPS that were use alone were considered. Each of the classes contained drugs that are modelled on existing illegal materials and are now covered by the UK New Psychoactive Substances Bill in 2016. Suggested Reviewers: Title Page (with authors and addresses) An overview of Emerging and New Psychoactive Substances in the United Kingdom Shruti Beharry and Simon Gibbons1 Research Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry UCL School of Pharmacy
    [Show full text]
  • Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP
    Information for Behavioral Health Providers in Primary Care Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP What are Hallucinogens? Hallucinogenic compounds found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) have been used— mostly during religious rituals—for centuries. Almost all hallucinogens contain nitrogen and are classified as alkaloids. Many hallucinogens have chemical structures similar to those of natural neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine-, serotonin-, or catecholamine-like). While the exact mechanisms by which hallucinogens exert their effects remain unclear, research suggests that these drugs work, at least partially, by temporarily interfering with neurotransmitter action or by binding to their receptor sites. This InfoFacts will discuss four common types of hallucinogens: LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It was discovered in 1938 and is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Peyote is a small, spineless cactus in which the principal active ingredient is mescaline. This plant has been used by natives in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States as a part of religious ceremonies. Mescaline can also be produced through chemical synthesis. Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) is obtained from certain types of mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5 percent psilocybin plus trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance. PCP (phencyclidine) was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. Its use has since been discontinued due to serious adverse effects. How Are Hallucinogens Abused? The very same characteristics that led to the incorporation of hallucinogens into ritualistic or spiritual traditions have also led to their propagation as drugs of abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • Subchronic Continuous Phencyclidine Administration Potentiates Amphetamine-Induced Frontal Cortex Dopamine Release
    Neuropsychopharmacology (2003) 28, 34–44 & 2003 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 0893-133X/03 $25.00 www.neuropsychopharmacology.org Subchronic Continuous Phencyclidine Administration Potentiates Amphetamine-Induced Frontal Cortex Dopamine Release Andrea Balla1, Henry Sershen1,2, Michael Serra1, Rajeth Koneru1 and Daniel C Javitt*,1,2 1 2 Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA Functional dopaminergic hyperactivity is a key feature of schizophrenia. Etiology of this dopaminergic hyperactivity, however, is unknown. We have recently demonstrated that subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) treatment in rodents induces striatal dopaminergic hyperactivity similar to that observed in schizophrenia. The present study investigates the ability of PCP to potentiate amphetamine-induced dopamine release in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. Prefrontal dopaminergic hyperactivity is postulated to underlie cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. In contrast, the degree of NAc involvement is unknown and recent studies have suggested that PCP-induced hyperactivity in rodents may correlate with PFC, rather than NAc, dopamine levels. Rats were treated with 5–20 mg/kg/day PCP for 3–14 days by osmotic minipump. PFC and NAc dopamine release to amphetamine challenge (1 mg/kg) was monitored by in vivo microdialysis and HPLC-EC. Doses of 10 mg/kg/day and above produced serum PCP concentrations (50–150 ng/ml) most associated with PCP psychosis in humans. PCP-treated rats showed significant, dose-dependent enhancement in amphetamine-induced dopamine release in PFC but not NAc, along with significantly enhanced locomotor activity. Enhanced response was observed following 3-day, as well as 14-day, treatment and resolved within 4 days of PCP treatment withdrawal.
    [Show full text]
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Handbook FOREWARD
    Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Handbook FOREWARD Grayson College recognizes that the illicit use of drugs and/or the abuse of alcohol are a persistent health problem of major proportion affecting our society physically, mentally, and socially. Illicit drug use and /or alcohol abuse can adversely affect an individual’s personal life, safety, health, and mental and physical performance. It is the intent of GC to provide employees and students pertinent information related to illicit drug use and/or alcohol abuse in an effort to prevent such harm. GC is committed to promoting and maintaining a work and academic environment that is free from illegal alcohol and drug use and abuse, in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Students, employees, and visitors are prohibited from possessing, consuming, manufacturing, dispensing, or being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs or engaging in improper self- medication while on college property or college business. Any member of the college community who violates this policy is subject to both prosecution and punishment under federal, state, and local laws to disciplinary proceedings by the college. This alcohol/drug policy is not designed to punish people for seeking rehabilitation. All information about those individuals who voluntarily avail themselves of drug or alcohol counseling or rehabilitation will not be used as a basis for disciplinary action or be used against an individual in any way. College employees and students who violate the alcohol/drug policy shall be informed about and referred to services to assist them in determining whether they are abusing drugs and alcohol or are chemically dependent.
    [Show full text]
  • Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs
    Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens See page 5. from the director: Research Report Series Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs — which have street names like acid, angel dust, and vitamin K — distort the way a user perceives time, motion, colors, sounds, and self. These drugs can disrupt a person’s ability to think and communicate rationally, or even to recognize reality, sometimes resulting in bizarre or dangerous behavior. Hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin, peyote, DMT, and ayahuasca cause HALLUCINOGENS AND emotions to swing wildly and real-world sensations to appear unreal, sometimes frightening. Dissociative drugs like PCP, DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS ketamine, dextromethorphan, and Salvia divinorum may make a user feel out of Including LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, Ayahuasca, control and disconnected from their body PCP, Ketamine, Dextromethorphan, and Salvia and environment. In addition to their short-term effects What Are on perception and mood, hallucinogenic Hallucinogens and drugs are associated with psychotic- like episodes that can occur long after Dissociative Drugs? a person has taken the drug, and dissociative drugs can cause respiratory allucinogens are a class of drugs that cause hallucinations—profound distortions depression, heart rate abnormalities, and in a person’s perceptions of reality. Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and a withdrawal syndrome. The good news is mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be man-made, and they are commonly divided that use of hallucinogenic and dissociative Hinto two broad categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such drugs among U.S. high school students, as PCP). When under the influence of either type of drug, people often report rapid, intense in general, has remained relatively low in emotional swings and seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real recent years.
    [Show full text]
  • (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub
    US 20130289061A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0289061 A1 Bhide et al. (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 31, 2013 (54) METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS TO Publication Classi?cation PREVENT ADDICTION (51) Int. Cl. (71) Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation, A61K 31/485 (2006-01) Boston’ MA (Us) A61K 31/4458 (2006.01) (52) U.S. Cl. (72) Inventors: Pradeep G. Bhide; Peabody, MA (US); CPC """"" " A61K31/485 (201301); ‘4161223011? Jmm‘“ Zhu’ Ansm’ MA. (Us); USPC ......... .. 514/282; 514/317; 514/654; 514/618; Thomas J. Spencer; Carhsle; MA (US); 514/279 Joseph Biederman; Brookline; MA (Us) (57) ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a method of reducing or preventing the development of aversion to a CNS stimulant in a subject (21) App1_ NO_; 13/924,815 comprising; administering a therapeutic amount of the neu rological stimulant and administering an antagonist of the kappa opioid receptor; to thereby reduce or prevent the devel - . opment of aversion to the CNS stimulant in the subject. Also (22) Flled' Jun‘ 24’ 2013 disclosed is a method of reducing or preventing the develop ment of addiction to a CNS stimulant in a subj ect; comprising; _ _ administering the CNS stimulant and administering a mu Related U‘s‘ Apphcatlon Data opioid receptor antagonist to thereby reduce or prevent the (63) Continuation of application NO 13/389,959, ?led on development of addiction to the CNS stimulant in the subject. Apt 27’ 2012’ ?led as application NO_ PCT/US2010/ Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising 045486 on Aug' 13 2010' a central nervous system stimulant and an opioid receptor ’ antagonist.
    [Show full text]
  • Methylphenidate Versus Dexamphetamine in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Double-Blind, Crossover Trial
    Methylphenidate Versus Dexamphetamine in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-blind, Crossover Trial Daryl Efron, FRACP; Frederick Jarman, FRACP; and Melinda Barker, Grad Dip Ed Psych ABSTRACT. Objective. To compare methylphenidate behavioral, academic, and social functioning. Many (MPH) and dexamphetamine (DEX) in a sample of chil- well-designed, placebo-controlled studies have dem- dren with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder onstrated beyond doubt the benefits of stimulants in (ADHD). the vast majority of children with ADHD.2–4 In a Method. A total of 125 children with ADHD received review of 110 studies on the effects of stimulant both MPH (0.3 mg/kg twice daily) and DEX (0.15 mg/kg drugs on more than 4200 children with ADHD, twice daily) for 2 weeks a double-blind, crossover study. 4 ; Outcome measures were Conners’ Parent Rating Scale– Barkley found that 75% of subjects were regarded Revised, Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale–Revised, a Par- as improved on stimulants. The mean placebo re- ent Global Perceptions questionnaire, the Continuous sponse was 39%. Performance Test, and the Barkley Side Effects Rating Methylphenidate (MPH) and dexamphetamine Scale. (DEX) are the two stimulants prescribed most fre- Results. There were significant group mean im- quently and have been shown to have similar types provements from baseline score on all measures for of positive effects in children with ADHD. However, both stimulants. On the Conners’ Teacher Rating Scal- it is not known whether one is more efficacious than e–Revised, response was greater on MPH than DEX on the other in terms of probability of producing a the conduct problems and hyperactivity factors, as well positive response, magnitude of response, quality of as on the hyperactivity index.
    [Show full text]
  • Drugs That Can Cause Delirium (Anticholinergic / Toxic Metabolites)
    Drugs that can Cause Delirium (anticholinergic / toxic metabolites) Deliriants (drugs causing delirium) Prescription drugs . Central acting agents – Sedative hypnotics (e.g., benzodiazepines) – Anticonvulsants (e.g., barbiturates) – Antiparkinsonian agents (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) . Analgesics – Narcotics (NB. meperidine*) – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs* . Antihistamines (first generation, e.g., hydroxyzine) . Gastrointestinal agents – Antispasmodics – H2-blockers* . Antinauseants – Scopolamine – Dimenhydrinate . Antibiotics – Fluoroquinolones* . Psychotropic medications – Tricyclic antidepressants – Lithium* . Cardiac medications – Antiarrhythmics – Digitalis* – Antihypertensives (b-blockers, methyldopa) . Miscellaneous – Skeletal muscle relaxants – Steroids Over the counter medications and complementary/alternative medications . Antihistamines (NB. first generation) – diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine). Antinauseants – dimenhydrinate, scopolamine . Liquid medications containing alcohol . Mandrake . Henbane . Jimson weed . Atropa belladonna extract * Requires adjustment in renal impairment. From: K Alagiakrishnan, C A Wiens. (2004). An approach to drug induced delirium in the elderly. Postgrad Med J, 80, 388–393. Delirium in the Older Person: A Medical Emergency. Island Health www.viha.ca/mhas/resources/delirium/ Drugs that can cause delirium. Reviewed: 8-2014 Some commonly used medications with moderate to high anticholinergic properties and alternative suggestions Type of medication Alternatives with less deliriogenic
    [Show full text]
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine and Related Designer Drugs
    Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine and Related Designer Drugs U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES • Public Health Service • Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine and Related Designer Drugs Editors: Khursheed Asghar, Ph.D. Division of Preclinical Research National Institute on Drug Abuse Errol De Souza, Ph.D. Addiction Research Center National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA Research Monograph 94 1989 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine and Related Designer Drugs ACKNOWLEDGMENT This monograph is based upon papers and discussion from a technical review on pharmacology and toxicology of amphetamine and related designer drugs that took place on August 2 through 4, 1988, in Bethesda, MD. The review meeting was sponsored by the Biomedical Branch, Division of Preclinical Research, and the Addiction Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse. COPYRIGHT STATUS The National Institute on Drug Abuse has obtained permission from the copyright holders to reproduce certain previously published material as noted in the text. Further reproduction of this copyrighted material is permitted only as part of a reprinting of the entire publication or chapter. For any other use, the copyright holder’s permission is required. All other matieral in this volume except quoted passages from copyrighted sources is in the public domain and may be used or reproduced without permission from the Institute or the authors.
    [Show full text]
  • From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy
    From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy: The History and Re-Emergence of Psychedelics in Medicine By Dr. Ben Sessa ‘The rejection of any source of evidence is always treason to that ultimate rationalism which urges forward science and philosophy alike’ - Alfred North Whitehead Introduction: What exactly is it that fascinates people about the psychedelic drugs? And how can we best define them? 1. Most psychiatrists will define psychedelics as those drugs that cause an acute confusional state. They bring about profound alterations in consciousness and may induce perceptual distortions as part of an organic psychosis. 2. Another definition for these substances may come from the cross-cultural dimension. In this context psychedelic drugs may be recognised as ceremonial religious tools, used by some non-Western cultures in order to communicate with the spiritual world. 3. For many lay people the psychedelic drugs are little more than illegal and dangerous drugs of abuse – addictive compounds, not to be distinguished from cocaine and heroin, which are only understood to be destructive - the cause of an individual, if not society’s, destruction. 4. But two final definitions for psychedelic drugs – and those that I would like the reader to have considered by the end of this article – is that the class of drugs defined as psychedelic, can be: a) Useful and safe medical treatments. Tools that as adjuncts to psychotherapy can be used to alleviate the symptoms and course of many mental illnesses, and 1 b) Vital research tools with which to better our understanding of the brain and the nature of consciousness. Classifying psychedelic drugs: 1,2 The drugs that are often described as the ‘classical’ psychedelics include LSD-25 (Lysergic Diethylamide), Mescaline (3,4,5- trimethoxyphenylathylamine), Psilocybin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and DMT (dimethyltryptamine).
    [Show full text]
  • Methamphetamine (Canadian Drug Summary)
    www.ccsa.ca • www.ccdus.ca March 2020 Canadian Drug Summary Methamphetamine Key Points • The prevalence of methamphetamine use in the Canadian population is low (~0.2%). • Several jurisdictions report at least a three-fold increase in the use of methamphetamine over the past five years among individuals accessing treatment or harm reduction services. • Notable increases for rates of criminal violations involving methamphetamine have been observed in the last five years (2013–2018). Introduction Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant or psychostimulant. CNS stimulants cover a wide range of substances that act on the body by increasing the level of activity of the CNS and include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamine (e.g., Adderall®), methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin®), MDMA (“ecstasy”), cocaine (including crack cocaine) and methamphetamine (including crystal meth).1,2 While both methamphetamine and amphetamine are psychostimulants and often grouped together, they are different drugs. A slight chemical modification of amphetamine produces methamphetamine, which has a different pharmacological profile that results in a larger release of certain neurochemicals in the brain and a stronger and more rapid physiological response. Some amphetamines are prescribed in Canada for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (e.g., Adderall and Vyvanse®), but methamphetamine use is currently illegal. Methamphetamine is often made in illegal, clandestine laboratories with commonly available, inexpensive chemicals, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, found in medications, among other sources. The use of these medications as precursor chemicals for methamphetamine led to stricter regulations introduced in Canada in 2006, limiting access to them by requiring they be kept behind the counter of pharmacies.3 Illegal production can be dangerous due to the toxicity of the chemicals used and the high risk of explosions.
    [Show full text]