II. Indications
- Drugs of Abuse
- Medical uses
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Relieves mild depression
- Control appetite and Narcolepsy
III. Class
- Sympathomimetic, stimulant
- Schedule II
IV. Medications
- Pharmaceuticals
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Propylhexedrine
- Ephedrine
- Drugs of Abuse
- Street Names
- Bennies
- Speed
- Pep Pills
- Hearts
- Wake-ups
- Uppers
V. Pharmacokinetics
- Amphetamine (5-250 mg): 4-12 hour duration
- Routes
- Swallowed
- Intravenous
- Smoked (ice or crystal Methamphetamine)
VI. Signs
- Low to Moderate Dose
- Increased alertness
- Restlessness
- Talkativeness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Hyperactive reflexes
- High Dose (Toxicity)
- See Sympathomimetic Toxicity
- Stimulant effects, similar to Cocaine, longer duration >2 hours
- Adverse reaction also similar to Cocaine
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Mydriasis
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Psychosis
- Hyperthermia
- Seizures
- Effects of heavy or prolonged use (may be misdiagnosed as Schizophrenia)
- Loss of appetite
- Paranoid Delusions
- Intense Hallucinations
- Toxic Psychosis
VII. Management: Toxicity
- See Sympathomimetic Toxicity
- Stimulant Toxicity Management (similar to Cocaine Toxicity)
- Supportive care
- Benzodiazepines
- Ammonium chloride
- Acidifies urine
- Increases excretion
- Avoid Haloperidol (Haldol) in Amphetamine Overdose
- Lowers Seizure threshold
VIII. References
- Tagliaferro (2023) Crit Dec Emerg Med 37(1): 21-9