Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that may be prescribed by a doctor or used recreationally. Keep reading to learn more about amphetamine use.
Amphetamine is a prescription medication that is used to stimulate the central nervous system. It is legally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to be given to treat different medical conditions. The drug works by increasing the number of neurotransmitters in the brain to send faster messages from the brain to the body.1
Some of the neurotransmitters released by the drug include Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin. These neurotransmitters send messages to the cells in the body, reminding them to do their job. As a result, it provides a burst of energy, causing one to stay alert and be physically active. It is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Although amphetamines are generally safe and effective for various medical conditions, they can become dangerous if abused. Some people misuse it by taking them to get high or boost athletic performance, which is highly illegal. The effects of the drug will depend on the dosage, the type of drug, and the method of consumption.
There are different kinds of Amphetamine medications that are prescribed for different health conditions, including:
Generally, Amphetamine is an FDA-approved medication that may be prescribed by a doctor after proper assessment to manage various medical conditions. The common brand names for the drug include Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, and Ritalin.
Although less common than their other uses, the drug has been used to treat obesity. In 2015, a small clinical study discovered that dextroamphetamine, a derivative, might be safe and effective for weight loss. There have also been rare cases where it has been prescribed alongside antidepressants to help manage depression.4
Typically, these kinds of stimulants are often used for recreational and non-medical purposes. There are many illegal derivatives in the market operating under street names such as ‘ice,’ ‘crystal meth,’ ‘glass,’ ‘wax,’ etc. However, these illegal drugs are highly unsafe and can cause adverse effects on the body. They may be used by smoking or snorting, injecting into a vein, or orally.
Amphetamines are stimulating drugs and can affect the body in several different ways. Although it is there to help, there are some side effects to be aware of when taking it. You may expect these positive and negative feelings after using this drug.
When this drug is used as prescribed, it may create positive effects due to the release of dopamine and serotonin in the central nervous system. Some of the effects may include but are not exclusive to:
With positive effects, there are also adverse effects. Frequent use may trigger unhappy thoughts and unpleasant effects such as:
This section will address the risk factors, specifically short-term risks, that may arise from amphetamine use.
Following the doctor’s prescribed dosage is generally crucial to ensure well-being. Otherwise, amphetamine misuse can lead to adverse side effects and cause severe damage to a person’s mental and physical health. Some factors that may increase the risk of amphetamine use include:
Some common short-term side effects that may result from amphetamine use include:
Researchers have suggested that long-term and heavy amphetamine use can cause:
Amphetamines are legal prescription stimulants that help to enhance the central nervous system. However, studies have found that long-term and consistent use can result in a possible addiction. They provide rapid, stimulating effects that increase cravings for more after each use.
Therefore, abusing this drug is highly unsafe and increases the risks of its use. Suppose you suspect a loved one or relative might be addicted to amphetamines. In that case, it is crucial to get help immediately. You may consider the following treatment plans such as:
At Essence Healthcare, we care very much about where each of our patients stands and focus on what matters most: enabling patients to recover quickly from substance use disorder and seamlessly return to their families and lives once treatment is given.
If you find yourself exhibiting the aforementioned signs of amphetamine addiction, or facing a different mental health challenge or substance use disorder altogether, know that you are not alone. We are here for you to give you the tools and techniques necessary to find lasting recovery.
Receiving treatment at a professional rehab facility is essential in the long run to ensure long-term recovery from addiction. At Essence Healthcare, we will be able to provide unique and personalized addiction treatment for you or your loved one, enabling you to achieve sustainable wellness and sobriety. Contact us for the proper support today – we look forward to meeting you!
At EHC, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.
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