11 amphetamine Flashcards
historical use
“ma huang” a chinese medicine herb used therapeautically
fathering chemical compound and source
ephedrine from ephedra sinica plant
synthesis type
semi synthetic
synthesis: founder and year
Edeleano, 1887
full chemical name
AlphaMethylPHenetylamine
original purpose
to treat asthma
has the drug given rise to any other drugs?
yes – other AMPH type stimulants
current use
mostly legal through prescriptions
to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (e.g. adderall)
chemical subtypes and effects
L-amphetamine: raises BP, opens nasal passages, causes headache
D-amphetamine: raises BP, opens nasal passages, causes headache, elevates mood, enhances energy
Methamphetamine: raises BP, opens nasal passages, causes headache, elevates mood, enhances energy at a heightened level
differences between chemical subtypes
stereochemistry and functional groups that affect how molecules interact w receptors
L-amph: 1 -CH3 methyl group going inward
D-amph: 1 -CH3 methyl group going outward
Meth-amph: 2 -CH3 methyl groups; makes compound MORE lipid soluble –> higher potency
explain the process of production
Note: following is production of meth (not all amphetamines)
from pseudoephedrine or ephedrine found in over-the-counter decongestants using hydriodic acid and red phosphorus
from commercial phenylacetone using reductive amination and leuckart synthesis
dangers/side effects of production
Note: following is production of meth (not all amphetamines)
from pseudo/ephedrine using over-the-counter decongestants: nagal synthesis aka the mass synthesis of contaminants along meth
from commercial phenylacetone: volatile gas products causing explosions in meth labs
how do amph’s have such effective euphoric results?
amph’s have similar chemistry to catecholamines (hormones of the adrenal gland e.g., DA, NE, 5HT) and can easily bind to NT transporters
what is the most commonly used amphetamine subtype and why?
methamphetamine
the extra methyl (-CH3) group allows for: slower metabolism of drug compared to others & CNS-intensive euphoric effects
smokable meth is cheap to produce
methods of administration and rank by speed of onset
onset fastest to slowest:
- smoking
- injection
- snorting
- ingesting
