Amphetamines
This presentation explores the science behind amphetamines, their physiological effects, and historical context. Amphetamines are stimulants that increase heart rate, respiration, and dopamine levels, leading to effects such as euphoria, appetite suppression, and potential mental health issues. Widely used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, their history includes medical prescriptions and concerns about abuse, particularly during World War II. The presentation also highlights notable figures like Elvis Presley and discusses the rise of amphetamine-related disorders and illegal trade.
Amphetamines
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Amphetamines A PowerPoint Presentation by Ariel Lee Edgar
The science of Amphetamines • Amphetamines, like other stimulants, are known to increase the heart and respiration rates of an individual. • Amphetamines are also known to raise blood pressure dilate the pupils and decrease one’s appetite. • Amphetamines increase the levels of nor epinephrine and dopamine in the brain. • Amphetamines cause stimulation through the direct release of catecholamine in the storage vesicles in cells. • Amphetamines may cause feeling of euphoria, depression, and/or anxiety. • Amphetamines may also cause blurry vision, nausea, and insomnia. • Amphetamines are also promoters of eating disorders such as anorexia since they promote weight loss by suppressing appetite
How are Amphetamines Used? • Amphetamines are used for various reasons: • Since amphetamines increase alertness, concentration, and endurance they are often used for therapeutic reasons. • One use is to counter act the effects of narcolepsy. • Another use of amphetamines is to help patients with certain learning disabilities like ADD and ADHD. • On some rare occasions amphetamines are used to treat severe depression.
Phenethylamine is the Basic Chemical Structure behind Amphetamines. C8H11N • Some common Phenethylamines include: • Dopamine • Epinephrine • Nor epinephrine • Ephedrine • Pseudoephedrine • Cathinone • Amphetamines • Methamphetamine • MDA • MDMA • MDMC • DOM • DOB • DOI • Methylphenidate • Albuterol • Clenbuterol • ETC……this is not one of them…
A Few Facts on Amphetamines • Elvis Presley had a problem of habitual consumption of amphetamines. He used it not only for energy but also because he wanted to alleviate chronic insomnia. • In the 1960’s-1970’s doctors prescribed amphetamines for weight loss. It eventually led to insomnia, increased anxiety, and psychosis. • Most chemicals needed to produce methamphetamines are supplied by Mexican traffickers, Czech, Indian, or Chinese.
World War II helped spur both medical and black market abuse of amphetamines. • German Panzer troops were taking large doses of methamphetamines in order to drive away fatigue and maintain their endurance over long flights and air raids on Poland, France, Belgium, etc… • The Japanese soldiers and factory workers were by far the most extensive abuses of amphetamines since both duties required great physical endurance. • Both Axis and Allied powers used the drugs during the course of the war. • The U.S didn’t authorize use of amphetamines until the Korean conflicts brought forth desperation.( use of Benzedrine tablets and as much as 80 million-100million supplied by the U.S alone) • Many pilots were involved in bootlegging operations. A Brief History of Amphetamines
Citations • The History of Drugs:Amphetamines by Nancy • Harris • www.wikipedia.com
