Amphetamines

Question 1

4 main effects

Answer 1

1. Decrease threshold for transmitting sensory input to cerebral cortex
2. Euphoria/rewarding feelings
3. Temp regulation & feeding centre mods
4. Increase in aggressive behaviour (mood swings)

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Enter neurons by competing for dopamine transporter, normally removes dopamine from cleft. Blocks vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), prevents dopamine from being stored in vesicles for release during a nerve impulse. Causes dopamine build up in neuron and flows into cleft in reverse, increases dopamine and norepinephrine at cleft

Question 3

Short Term Effects

Answer 3

Euphoria, cardiovascular collapse possible, increased respiratory rate, insomnia, appetite suppression

Question 4

Misuse Potential

Answer 4

Extremely high: orally, injected, smoked
Inherent Harmfulness: high, due to long-term toxicities

Question 5

SUD potential

Answer 5

Tolerance: yes to euphoria + anorectic effects, no therapeutic effects
Withdrawal: yes: depression, sleep, hunger, fatigue
Addiction: yes: euphoria

Question 6

Amphetamines

Answer 6

Synthetic organic compounds, structurally similar to neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, may contain side products (filler agents), harmful

Question 7

Long Term Effects

Answer 7

Chronic sleeping problems, appetite supressant, psychoses/anxiety, mood swings, elevated bp and abnormal heart rhythm

Question 8

Therapeutic Use

Answer 8

ADHD: improve attention and control
Narcolepsy

Question 9

In Sports

Answer 9

increases endurance by 40%, speed 73%