Amphetamines

Background

Actions

- central action- increase release & decrease reuptak of dopamine & seratonin. Leads to euphoria & strength

- perif action- facilitate synaptic

xmission @ spinal cord by unknown mech

- also cause release of norepi- leads to alpha & beta stim

Diagnosis

Alpha

- pupils dilate

- sweat

- decrease gi peristalsis

- constrict blood vessels

Beta

- inc HR and contractility

- dilate bronchi

- dilate muscle beds

Mixed

- delusions, paranoia, aggression, poor judgement, hallucinate, confusion

Treatment

Benzos

Theraputic Uses

- appetite suppression

- inc alertness

- narcolepsy

- adhd

- inc mood

- avoid boredom on repetitive task jobs

Types

GENERAL

- Time- oral- 30min, inhaled instant

- hepatic and renal excretion- lasts 6- 24 hrs

- if tolerance developes- physical exam may yield normal findings

- desipramine and amantadine can give false positive for urine amphet test

- hallucinogenic amphet deriv may not show up on tox screen

AKA Entactogens- enabling user to touch within.

Hallucinogenic amphet are methoxylated or methylene dioxylated

METH AMPHET

- more combative- delusions of parasites- formication\ self mutilate

- more dysphoric

- AKA ice crystal speed go crank

MDMA ECSTACY

- changes 5HT neuroxmitter

- inc dopamine

- lasts 3 - 5hrs

- usual dose for psychgTx- 50 - 200mg

- cardiac effects

- euphoria- interpersonal clgseness- introspection

- enhanced socialibility (rave)

- deep empathy

- severe withdrawal with anxiety and depression

- tolerance developes to positve and neg effects with inc use

Source

MISTRY 6/06