Amphetamine Flashcards
What are the medical indications for amphetamines? (3)
ADHD caused by abnormal brain structure and function can resolve after chronic use of amphetamines
Anti-depressant by having the same function as MAOIs
stroke as it aids with rehab and patient morale
Price and Hotopf 2009
What occurs on prolonged use of amphetamines and why? (2)
prolonged use causes degeneration of amine containing nerve terminals
due to accumulation of amphetamine metabolites
What emotion can high doses of amphetamine cause? (1)
panic and paranoia
What are the basic physiological and psychological effects of amphetamines (7)
Locomotor stimulation
Euphoria and excitement
insomnia
increased stamina
anorexia - only in short term use
increased BP
decreased GI motility
Which NT’s do amphetamines effect and which ones is the most effected? (3)
dopamine
noradrenergic
dopamine is main
What is amphetamine psychosis? (3)
resembles an acute schizophrenic attack
hallucinations, paranoia and aggression
repetitive stereotyped behaviour
What happens when the drug is stopped and what is the pattern of drug taking that develops because of this? (3)
sleep for time
wake up feeling lethargic, depressed, suicidal and hungry
binge pattern develops in animals and humans
Tolerance develops faster for some effects compared to others, which effects are fastest? (2)
euphoric
anorexic
What is the synthesis and metabolism of amphetamines? (2)
Ephedrine is the precursor for all amphetamine and methamphetamines
taken up by DAT and NETs
Describe amphetamine pharmacology (5)
pH gradient caused by accumulation can reverse the transporters and degrade the gradient needed for reuptake
Once in cytosol they are taken into vesicles by VMAT1/2
once again the amine groups cause a pH change which prevents the uptake of amphetamines into vesicles causing a build up in the cytosol
cytosolic amphetamines then activate intracellular TAAR1 which either removes reuptake transporters or reverses them
more ampethamine is left in the synaptic cleft
