High doses of amphetamines have produced enlarged chromatolytic medulla neurons in cats 43, and parenteral dosing in rodents can also produce swollen or reduced dopaminergic axons, and serotonin deficits. The deficits in dopaminergic nerve terminals are not accompanied by apparent damage to the dopamine-containing cell bodies within the substantia nigra. Nevertheless, they can persist for years following cessation of drug exposure 44. Although the relevance of these data to the consequences of low dose, prescription use of amphetamines in humans is not entirely clear, the potential for similar damage following prolonged low dose exposure merits some consideration. Although most adult patients also use amphetamines effectively and safely, occasional case reports indicate that prescription use can produce marked psychological adverse events, including stimulant-induced psychosis.
How we reviewed this article:
Amphetamines can make people feel more comfortable interacting in social situations and become more talkative. People often misuse Adderall because it increases focus, energy, and alertness while amphetamine addiction reducing daytime sleepiness. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that college students particularly abuse Adderall for academic performance, either as a result of peer pressure or misconceptions about its safety. Each of these drugs carries risks for abuse, addiction, and health complications.
What is the definition of amphetamine?
Females were underrepresented in the data, being only 29.7% of the total participants. This comprises both studies that only enrolled males (nine studies, 21%) 24, 29, 30, 34, 46, 52, 55, 57, 58 and those enrolling both males and females but with higher male enrolments. Thirty-four (79.1%) of the studies we reviewed excluded participants with depression or psychotic disorders, or those taking an antidepressant or antipsychotic medication. Extra-medical use of AMPH and MA is usually at higher doses than those prescribed orally, and through routes Alcoholics Anonymous of administration that result in more rapid onset (inhaled, injected intravenously, intra-nasal, per-vaginal, and per-rectal). Extra-medical consumption of amphetamines may be for enjoyment and/or for performance enhancement (such as for night-shift workers to enable longer working hours) 5.
- Because withdrawal can be challenging, professional oversight is vital to ensure safety and provide the necessary support.
- Effects of prolonged stimulant treatment have not been fully explored, and understanding such effects is a research priority 1.
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Therefore, treatment should focus on symptom and complication management. Patients with agitation should be treated with parenteral benzodiazepines. Diazepam is an ideal choice if intravenous access is available; otherwise, intramuscular lorazepam or midazolam is appropriate. Medical professionals use standardized scales to assess the risk factors for severe withdrawal and adjust treatment accordingly.
