What is Amphetamine?
Amphetamines are drugs that fall into the category of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. This means that the way these drugs work is by increasing the activity of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain.
Amphetamines are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Is amphetamine a type of drug? You need to know that this drug is a class II psychotropic and can cause dependency.
That is why the use of amphetamines must be approved and closely supervised by a doctor.
Abuse of amphetamines risks causing addiction. Because it can be harmful, free use and possession is prohibited by law.
This medicine must be used with a doctor’s prescription to suit a person’s needs and health conditions.
Class: Prescription drugs
Category: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants
Benefits: Treats conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, and narcolepsy.
Used by: Adults and children.
Amphetamines for pregnant and lactating mothers: Category C. This drug should not be consumed carelessly by pregnant women. Exposure to amphetamines in the fetus in the womb can increase the risk of bad things. For example, heart problems to fetal growth disorders.
Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers need to be careful in consuming this drug, because amphetamines can be absorbed into breast milk. So, make sure to always consume this drug according to the dosage and doctor’s advice.
Drug forms: Crystals, powder, tablets, and capsules.
Benefits of Amphetamine
The main use of amphetamine is to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
ADHD is a mental disorder that makes sufferers hyperactive, impulsive, and has difficulty concentrating.
Meanwhile, narcolepsy is a disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly.
What are amphetamines used for? Typically, amphetamines used along with dextroamphetamine work to treat ADHD.
Its function is to enable sufferers to focus better and reduce anxiety.
Warnings Before Using Amphetamines
Amphetamines should not be used carelessly. The use of amphetamines must be through a doctor’s prescription.
In this way, the dosage and amount of this drug consumed can be adjusted to suit the needs of your health condition.
It is best to know the warnings before taking amphetamines, such as:
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain types of drugs, including amphetamines.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of hypertension, stroke, or heart problems. This drug can trigger a worsening of the symptoms of these diseases.
- You should not use this medicine together with other types of medicine within 14 days, such as linezolid, isocarboxazid, and phenelzine.
- Avoid taking amphetamines if you suffer from depression, bipolar, and other mental health disorders.
- It is best to inform your doctor if you have a history of blood circulation disorders.
- It is best not to take amphetamines if you are experiencing respiratory problems.
- Avoid taking amphetamines when experiencing thyroid disorders.
- This drug should not be taken by someone who is addicted to alcohol.
- You should not take this medicine when you are going to operate heavy equipment or vehicles.
- Inform your doctor about the various types of herbal treatments you are currently using.
- Do not give this medicine carelessly without a prescription and dosage from a doctor for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Amphetamine Dosage
Each person may receive a different dose. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and how to use this medicine.
Do not change, increase or stop the dose without your doctor’s approval.
Here are the amphetamine doses based on the health problem:
1. ADHD
- Adults: 2.5-5 milligrams a day. The dosage should not exceed 20 milligrams per day.
- Children 3–5 years: 2.5 milligrams daily. The doctor may increase the dose as needed.
2. Narcolepsy
- Children over 12 years to adults: 10 milligrams a day. The dosage should not exceed 60 milligrams per day.
- Children 6–11 years: 5 milligrams daily. The doctor may increase the dose as needed.
3. Obesity sufferers
- Adults: 5–10 milligrams daily, taken 30–60 minutes before meals. The dose should not exceed 30 milligrams per day.
Take this medicine as soon as possible if you miss a dose. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip that dose. Do not increase or double your dose.
Store the medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep away from freezing, heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep medicines out of reach of children.
How to Use Amphetamines
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the prescription instructions carefully before taking it.
Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Taking amphetamines carelessly has the potential to cause drug dependence.
If this medication does not work well after taking it for several weeks, do not increase your dose and see your doctor.
Generally, doctors will prescribe amphetamines in capsule form.
Here’s how to use amphetamine in capsule form:
- Swallow the capsules whole with water or other liquid. Do not crush or chew them.
- Take the capsules in the morning right after waking up. Taking them in the afternoon or evening may make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
- You can take the capsules with or without food, but be sure to take them the same way every time.
Amphetamine Side Effects
What are the effects of amphetamines? The side effects of amphetamines that you need to be aware of are:
- Bladder pain, bloody urine or difficulty urinating.
- Rapid, pounding, or irregular pulse.
- Lower back or side pain.
- Chills.
- Cough or sore throat.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Trembling.
- Have a cold.
- Sweating.
- Dry mouth.
- Constipation.
- Mood swings.
- Stomach cramps.
Not everyone experiences the above symptoms. In addition, some of the above side effects generally do not require medical attention.
These side effects may disappear during treatment as the body adjusts to the medication.
In addition, doctors usually provide tips to prevent or reduce these side effects.
Amphetamine Interactions
Drug interactions are side effects that occur when you take them with other drugs.
The following drugs can interact with amphetamines:
- If you take it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), isocaboxazid, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, it can increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Concomitant use of cold and cough medicines, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
- It has the potential to cause serotonin syndrome if you use it with ecstasy or antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine.
Contraindications of Amphetamine
Contraindications are specific symptoms or conditions that make a treatment inadvisable or not allowed at all.
Amphetamine has contraindications for people who are hypersensitive to the ingredients in this drug.
Amphetamines are also contraindicated during or within 14 days of MAOI therapy, for example, phenelzine, because they can cause hypertension.