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Definition of amphetamines
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Amphetamine and substances similar in structure have a pronounced stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Amphetamine addiction is quite typical for professional athletes, drivers carrying loads over long distances (use a drug to relieve fatigue), etc. In clinical practice, amphetamine is sometimes used for depression (doses of 2.5 to 20 mg / day) and asthenic conditions.
Amphetamines are easily absorbed when taken orally. The effect of amphetamine begins 1 hour after taking and lasts several hours. Characterized by the appearance of a sense of well-being, improved performance of written, verbal and motor tasks, reducing fatigue and increasing the pain threshold. In recent decades methamphetamine addiction has become widespread; Methamphetamine is often injected intravenously or through smoking (methamphetamine base is used). The half-life for amphetamine is 4-24 hours, for methamphetamine 9-24 hours.
Signs of acute and chronic amphetamine intoxication include changes in behavior of a disadaptive nature (aggressiveness, violation of criticism, etc.), tachycardia, dilated pupils, arterial hypertension, sweating or chills, nausea, or vomiting. Psychological disorders include anxiety, dysphoria, logorrhea, insomnia, irritability, hostility, confusion, anxiety, panic reactions and, in some cases, psychoses. Overdose of amphetamines rarely ends in a lethal outcome and is usually treatable with haloperidol.
The most reliable method for diagnosing amphetamine intoxication is the determination of amphetamine in the urine. If after last reception has passed or has taken place more than 48 ch, to reveal an amphetamine it is not possible.
With the termination of prolonged abuse of amphetamine, withdrawal symptoms develop, which peaks in 2-4 days (depression, sometimes with suicidal attempts) and lasts for several weeks.
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