Amphetamines - Research Paper Example

Amphetamines are used for medical purposes but their abuse has greatly increased over the years and it is now considered to be used more frequently than heroin by abusers (Rasmussen 974). Amphetamines act mainly on the nervous system and they do not directly function on the central as well as the peripheral nervous system. Amphetamines work by increasing the level of catecholamines in the spaces of synapses. They do so by promoting the release of catecholamines from within the organelles and at the same time by preventing the action of monoamine oxidase.

The functions of amphetamines are associated with their effect on raising the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. In the nervous system, amphetamines activate the cortex, brainstem and the medulla. The main actions on the CNS include raising the awareness of an individual, reduction of tiredness and reduced eating and sleeping habits. The absorption of amphetamines takes place from the gastrointestinal tract. Metabolism of the drug occurs in the liver and the drug finally gets excreted from the body by the urinary tract.

Amphetamines are taken by consumers either through the intravenous route or by smoking. These drugs produce euphoria for a period of 4 to 6 hours which is substantially much longer than the euphoria that results due to cocaine (Finkel et al 121, 122, 123). . It is helpful in treating the short attention span of these children and it also improves their behavioral issues. Amphetamines are also a treatment of choice in narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a condition in which the patient does not have control over his sleep and sleeps excessively even during the day.

Narcolepsy may also be associated with catalepsy which is a state in which the patient does not have control over his muscles and he may become paralyzed by emotions. Drugs which are derived from amphetamine, like modafinil, are used in its treatment (Finkel et al 122, Trevor et al 267). Amphetamines have the tendency to make the patients addicted to the drug and this leads tolerance as well as “drug seeking behavior.” Amphetamines affect the central nervous system by causing confused states, delirium as well as emotionally instability.

Dependents on the drug become suicidal as well. In severe cases, the psychological state of the patients on amphetamines is similar to schizophrenic patients. Amphetamines also affect the cardiovascular system and the patients develop abnormal cardiac rhythms, increased blood pressure as well as cardiac pain. It affects the gastrointestinal tract as well and leads to nausea, anorexia as well as diarrhea and vomiting. If taken in increased doses, the drug can lead to hyperthermia followed by seizures and it can also be fatal.

Addicts who try to quit this drug have withdrawal symptoms. These include increased eating as well as sleeping. The patient is fatigued and at the same time depressed as well. Anti-depressant medications are prescribed to these patients (Finkel et al 122, Trevor et al 267). Recent research on the effects of amphetamine that was