Amphetamine
Amphetamine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Amphetamine is a brand name. Its generic name is Amphetamine.
Introduction
Amphetamine is a stimulant drug commonly used for medicinal and recreational purposes. It is chemically similar to other stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Uses for Amphetamine
Amphetamine is primarily prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Additionally, it can be used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and some forms of clinical depression. It is also used recreationally as a stimulant and may be unlawfully obtained for non-medicinal purposes.
Mechanism of Action
Amphetamine works by stimulating the central nervous system. It increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the body's reward and pleasure systems. Additionally, it can increase alertness and focus, reduce fatigue, and decrease appetite.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
The effects of amphetamine can usually be felt within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Peak effects typically occur 1-2 hours after taking the medication and can last for up to 6 hours.
Absorption and Route of Elimination
Amphetamine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma levels observed in 1-3 hours. It is metabolized mainly in the liver and its metabolites are eliminated mainly by the kidneys. The half-life of amphetamine is around 12-14 hours.
Dosage
Amphetamine doses can vary depending on the individual. Generally, for the treatment of ADHD, the recommended starting dose is 5mg once daily. Dosage may be gradually increased over time and can be taken once or twice per day. For narcolepsy, the recommended starting dose is 10mg once daily, which may be increased as needed. Generally, doses should not exceed 40mg per day.
Administration
Amphetamine is taken orally in tablet form. It can be taken with or without food. Liquids should not be used to dilute the tablets.
Side Effects
Common side effects of amphetamine include insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and nausea. Other potential side effects include restlessness, irritability, anxiety, tachycardia, and hypertension. More serious side effects can include psychosis, stroke, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat.
Toxicity
Amphetamine can be toxic when taken in large doses or taken in combination with other medications. Overdose symptoms can include seizures, chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, and coma.
Precautions
Amphetamine should be taken with caution as it can be habit-forming and can be misused. It should not be combined with alcohol or other drugs as this can increase the risk of side effects and overdose. Patients should not stop taking amphetamine abruptly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Patients should also be monitored for signs of abuse and dependence.
Interactions
Amphetamine can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications that you are taking. Alcohol and other recreational drugs should be avoided as they can increase the risk of side effects and overdose.
Disease Interactions
Amphetamine should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Patients with a history of substance abuse should be monitored closely as they may be at greater risk for addiction. Amphetamine may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications that you are taking.
Drug Interactions
Amphetamine can interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications that you are taking. Certain medications can increase or decrease the effects of amphetamine, so caution should be used when taking these medications together. Common drug interactions include antidepressants, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Food Interactions
Food interactions with amphetamine may occur if certain foods are eaten in combination with the drug. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided as they can interact with amphetamine and increase the risk of side effects. Conversely, certain foods such as yogurt may decrease the effects of amphetamine.
Pregnancy Use
Amphetamine should generally be avoided in pregnant women as the effects of this drug on an unborn fetus are not yet known. Women who are taking this drug should not breastfeed as it is not known if the drug is excreted in breast milk.
Lactation Use
Amphetamine should generally not be used in women who are breastfeeding, as it is not known if the drug is excreted in breast milk.
Acute Overdose
Amphetamine overdose can occur if too much of the drug is taken. Symptoms of an overdose can include seizures, confusion, chest pain, agitation, and difficulty breathing. An overdose can be life-threatening and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Contraindication
Amphetamine should not be used by individuals who are sensitive or allergic to amphetamine, or by individuals who have a history of substance abuse. Additionally, it should not be used in patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or agitation.
Use Direction
Amphetamine should be taken orally and should be taken as directed by your doctor. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on individual response. Amphetamine should not be taken more frequently than prescribed by your doctor and should not be taken in combination with other drugs.
Storage Conditions
Amphetamine should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Tablets should be kept in the original container and should not be exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
Volume of Distribution
Amphetamine has a volume of distribution of 0.5-2 L/kg. This indicates that the drug is widely distributed throughout the body after it is administered.
Half Life
The half-life of amphetamine is 12-14 hours, which indicates that half of the drug will be eliminated from the body in this time frame.
Clearance
Amphetamine has an estimated clearance rate of 0.1-0.2 L/hr/kg. This indicates that the body will eliminate the drug at a rate of 0.1-0.2 liters per hour, per kilogram of body weight.
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