1. Amphetamine Michelle Lubrano Teaching Concepts of Health Education I Drug Investigation Assignment Spring 2010

2. Amphetamine Names Street Names:
Bennies, crank, black beauties, bumble bees, co-pilots, crystal meth, dexies, hearts
Brand Names:
Adderall and dexedrine
Chemical Name:
amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and methamphetamines

3. What is Amphetamine? (Stimulant and Appetite suppressant)
Amphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the body.
Main Action of Amphetamine;
Increase the synaptic activity of the dopamine and norepinephrine.
cause the release of dopamine from axon terminals.
block dopamine reuptake.
inhibit the storage of dopamine in vesicles.
inhibit the destruction of dopamine by enzymes.
Amphetamine primarily used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD).

4. History of Amphetamine
First synthesized in 1887 in Germany
Marketed first in 1992 as a Benzedrine inhaler (asthma)
1935 Dexedrine (narcolepsy)
1940s –widely used as diet pills
Used in WWII by military to decrease fatigue
billion amphetamine pills were produced in USA per year
at least 10% of USA population > 14 years old had used some form of this drug (dieters, students, truck drivers, laborers, etc.)
Now used for narcolepsy, ADD, & ADHD
**Rated 8.6 out of 10 by Drugs.com**

5. Effects of Amphetamines
Psychological Effects:
low dose alertness, euphoria, increased motor performance and energy, irritability, restlessness, and panic.
High doses  brief psychosis, increased aggressiveness, and antisocial behaviors. Physical Effects:
Body becomes ready for "fight or flight“
stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure
Part of Body it Effects:
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

6. Amphetamines… How do you take it? With a full glass of water
Do not take in evening (insomnia)
Don’t crush, chew, or open any amphetamine capsules. Swallow them whole.
Only take amount prescribed to you
May also be sniffed or injected
What do they look like?
Small round pills or capsules
White, or clear crystallized, some with tints of yellow/blue

7. Withdrawal Abusers can easily become addicted.
Amphetamine effects are similar to cocaine.
Tolerance Effect.
Withdrawal symptoms:
Confusion, apathy, irritability, depression, increased appetite and need for sleep
Should talk to a doctor before going off of amphetamines if taken for a long time

8. Short & Long Term Effects
Short Term
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Dilation of the pupils
Feelings of happiness and power
Reduced fatigue
Long Term
Insomnia, restlessness
"Paranoid psychosis"
Hallucinations
Violent and aggressive behavior
Weight loss
Tremors

9. Recap! What have you learned?
What parts of the body do they effect?
What is amphetamine?
What possible side effects?
What does it treat?

10. Resources