Side Effects of amphetamine: A Synthesis of Findings from 11 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they can also have various side effects. One study found that amphetamines can increase the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons, which may be associated with extrapyramidal side effects. Another study investigated the effectiveness of topiramate in treating amphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder. Topiramate was found to be effective in reducing cravings for amphetamines, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. 4 Another study looked at the withdrawal symptoms of 3-fluoroethamphetamine (3-FEA), a type of amphetamine, in mice. The study found that 3-FEA withdrawal led to hyperactivity and depression-like behaviors. 6

Reasons for Side Effects

Amphetamines can cause various side effects because they disrupt the balance of the nervous system by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in a wide range of functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, energy, and focus. The increased levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to various side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and addiction. 6

Common Side Effects

Psychoneurological

Amphetamines can have various effects on the psychoneurological system. Common side effects include insomnia, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, mania, depression, panic attacks, and dependence. 4 6 10 9 5 3 1 2 11

Cardiovascular

Amphetamines can increase heart rate and blood pressure. They can also increase the risk of developing heart conditions such as arrhythmias, angina, and myocardial infarction. 10

Gastrointestinal

Amphetamines can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. 3

Urinary

Amphetamines can cause urinary side effects such as difficulty urinating. 3

Other

Amphetamines can cause side effects such as sweating, tremors, dizziness, headaches, weight loss, and fever. 10 6 11

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Psychoneurological Side Effects

To reduce psychoneurological side effects, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions and adhere to the prescribed dosage. Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a regular lifestyle are also important. Consult a doctor if you experience severe anxiety, depression, or other symptoms. 4 6 9

Cardiovascular Side Effects

To prevent cardiovascular side effects, consult a doctor before taking amphetamines if you have pre-existing heart conditions. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath while taking amphetamines, immediately consult a doctor. 10

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

To alleviate gastrointestinal side effects, pay attention to your diet and consume easily digestible foods. Adequate hydration is also important. If constipation is a concern, consult a doctor for appropriate medication. 3

Urinary Side Effects

If you experience urinary side effects such as difficulty urinating, consult a doctor. 3

Comparison between Studies

Similarities

Multiple studies have indicated that amphetamines can enhance wakefulness, concentration, and motivation, while also potentially causing side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, agitation, and dependence. 4 6 10 9 5 3 1 2 11

Differences

Research has reported variations in the incidence and types of side effects caused by amphetamines. This is likely attributed to differences in study participants, types of amphetamines, dosages, and treatment durations. For example, 10 suggests that synthetic cathinone amphetamines may have neurotoxic potential, while 5 reports that amphetamines are effective in treating ADHD in children. These research findings indicate significant individual variability in side effects associated with amphetamines. Therefore, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and closely monitor for side effects when using amphetamines.

Precautions for Real-Life Applications

While amphetamines are widely used as a therapeutic agent for ADHD, concerns remain about their addictive properties and various side effects. When taking amphetamines, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions and adhere to the prescribed dosage. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your physical condition while taking amphetamines. Amphetamines can interact with other medications. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, consult a doctor before taking amphetamines. Amphetamines should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Amphetamines enhance concentration and wakefulness but can also impair judgment and reaction time. 4 6 10 9 5 3 1 2 11

Limitations of Current Research

While numerous studies have been conducted on amphetamines, many are small-scale. Large-scale studies and long-term follow-up investigations are lacking. Additionally, various types of amphetamines exist, and their side effects may vary depending on the type. Therefore, further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the side effects of amphetamines. 5 3

Future Research Directions

To gain a deeper understanding of the side effects of amphetamines, large-scale studies and long-term follow-up investigations are needed. It is also crucial to thoroughly examine the impact of the type, dosage, and duration of amphetamine use on side effects. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms and treatment methods for amphetamine addiction is necessary. 5 3

Conclusion

Amphetamines are effective therapeutic agents for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they carry the risk of dependence and various side effects. When taking amphetamines, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions and adhere to the prescribed dosage. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your physical condition while taking amphetamines. Amphetamines can interact with other medications. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, consult a doctor before taking amphetamines. Amphetamines should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Amphetamines enhance concentration and wakefulness but can also impair judgment and reaction time. To gain a deeper understanding of the side effects of amphetamines, large-scale studies and long-term follow-up investigations are needed. It is also crucial to thoroughly examine the impact of the type, dosage, and duration of amphetamine use on side effects. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms and treatment methods for amphetamine addiction is necessary. 4 6 10 9 5 3 1 2 11

Literature analysis of 11 papers
Positive Content
5
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
5
Article Type
2
0
2
3
10
1.

Separate and combined impact of acute naltrexone and alprazolam on subjective and physiological effects of oral d-amphetamine in stimulant users.

Author: MarksKatherine R, LileJoshua A, StoopsWilliam W, RushCraig R

Stimulant abuse attenuation
Side effects

Opioid antagonists (e.g., naltrexone) and GABAA receptor modulators (e.g., alprazolam) can reduce stimulant abuse, but high doses lead to side effects. This article suggests combining naltrexone and alprazolam to maximize efficacy while avoiding side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

2.

Placebo-controlled evaluation of amphetamine mixture-dextroamphetamine salts and amphetamine salts (Adderall): efficacy rate and side effects.

Author: AhmannP A, TheyeF W, BergR, LinquistA J, Van EremA J, CampbellL R

ADHD treatment
Side effects

Adderall is effective in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, with a high efficacy rate. While some side effects may occur, they are typically manageable and not severe.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Amphetamines in child medicine: a review of ClinicalTrials.gov.

Author: AlalalmehSamer O, HegaziOmar E, ShahwanMoyad, AlshehriFahad S, AshourAhmed M, AlgarniAlanood S, AlorfiNasser M

Therapeutic potential in ADHD
Addiction risk
Side effects

This study reviews the use of amphetamines in pediatric medicine, focusing on clinical trials for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamines show potential for treating ADHD but require careful consideration of side effects and addiction risks.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

7.

Cannabis and Other Substance Misuse: Implications and Regulations.

Author: KhairinisaMiski Aghnia, AlfaqeehMohammed, RafifSyauqi Nawwar, MuljonoFajar Oktavian, ColinMichelle Natasha

Fatal overdose
Substance abuse

This review examines the characteristics, methodologies, lethal dosage levels, mechanisms of toxicity, side effects, and regulations of commonly abused controlled substances, including cannabis, opioids, amphetamine-type stimulants, cocaine, new psychoactive substances, and hallucinogens.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Hot weather and death related to acute cocaine, opioid and amphetamine toxicity in British Columbia, Canada: a time-stratified case-crossover study.

Author: HendersonSarah B, McLeanKathleen E, DingYue, YaoJiayun, TurnaNikita Saha, McVeaDavid, KosatskyTom

Cocaine-related death

This study evaluated the relationship between temperature and risk of death related to cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines in British Columbia, Canada. Cocaine-associated deaths were more frequent in hot weather.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Methamphetamine: Mechanism of Action and Chinese Herbal Medicine Treatment for Its Addiction.

Author: ZengRui, PuHong-Yu, ZhangXin-Yue, YaoMeng-Lin, SunQin

METH addiction treatment

Chinese herbal medicines have gained attention for their potential in treating methamphetamine addiction due to their non-addictive nature, multiple targets, low side effects, and affordability. This article reviews the mechanism of action of methamphetamine and summarizes the evidence for Chinese herbal medicine-based treatment approaches.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review.

Author: DazianiGloria, Lo FaroAlfredo Fabrizio, MontanaVincenzo, GoteriGaia, PesaresiMauro, BambagiottiGiulia, MontanariEva, GiorgettiRaffaele, MontanaAngelo

Hyperthermia
Neurotoxicity
Psychosis

This review summarizes the neurotoxic effects of synthetic cathinones, a class of new psychoactive substances. The reviewed studies highlight the potential for brain-related adverse effects, including encephalopathy, coma, convulsions, and various toxidromes.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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