Amphetamine-type stimulants
Overview of amphetamine-type stimulants
Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are a class of psychoactive substances that include amphetamine, methamphetamine, and other related compounds. These stimulants are known for their ability to increase alertness, concentration, and energy, and are often used both medically and recreationally.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Amphetamine-type stimulants primarily act by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They achieve this by promoting the release of these neurotransmitters from their storage sites in neurons and inhibiting their reuptake. This leads to increased synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters, resulting in enhanced stimulation of the central nervous system.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
ATS are used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and certain cases of obesity. For ADHD, medications such as Adderall (a combination of amphetamine salts) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are commonly prescribed to help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Recreational Use and Abuse[edit | edit source]
Amphetamine-type stimulants are also used recreationally for their euphoric effects. However, this can lead to abuse and addiction. Chronic use of ATS can result in a range of adverse effects, including cardiovascular problems, psychological disorders, and neurotoxicity.
Legal Status[edit | edit source]
The legal status of amphetamine-type stimulants varies by country. In many places, they are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and addiction. For example, in the United States, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse but also recognized medical uses.
Health Risks[edit | edit source]
Long-term use of ATS can lead to several health issues, including:
- Cardiovascular problems such as hypertension and arrhythmias
- Psychological effects like anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations
- Neurotoxicity, potentially leading to cognitive deficits
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Central nervous system stimulants
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Substance abuse
- Methamphetamine
- Dopamine
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
