Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 and introduced as a medical treatment in 1932. It acts on the brain's release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Amphetamine is now used both medically and recreationally through various routes of administration. Acute intoxication can cause aggression, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis. Chronic use leads to compulsive craving and tolerance requiring higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and memory loss. Treatment focuses on managing acute intoxication symptoms and providing antidepressants and psychotherapy to address withdrawal symptoms.

1. Amphetamine
Use Disorders
Mr.Visanth V S
Asso.Professor
IGSCON, Amethi

2. Amphetamine
• Synthesized by Edleano in 1887, it was introduced in
Medicine in 1932 as Benzedrine inhaler, for the treatment
of coryza, rhinitis and asthma.
• Amphetamine refers to a unique chemical which is
basically phenyl-iso-propylamine or
methylphenethylamine
• Amphetamine is made up of two distinct compounds
– Pure dextroamphetamine
– Pure levoamphetamine

3. • Later, it was recommended for a variety of conditions
such as narcolepsy, post-encephalitic parkinsonism,
obesity, depression, ADHD and even to heighten energy
and capacity to work.
• It acts primarily on norepinephrine release in brain, along
with an action on the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• One of the commonest patterns of ‘use’ is seen amongst
the students and sports-persons to overcome the need for
sleep and fatigue.

4. Routes
 Medical
Oral
Nasal inhalation
Recreational
Oral
Nasal inhalation
Insufflations
Rectal
Intravenous

5. Acute Intoxication
• Intoxication symptoms include;
– Aggression, Violent Behavior or Hostility
– Paranoia
– Anxiety
– Emotional numbing with sadness, fatigue and social
withdrawal
– Entitlement regarding obtaining positions of power or
influence
– Convulsions Hallucinations especially hearing voices or
conversations that aren’t real
– Delusions
– Amphetamine induced psychosis
– Confusion

6. Contd…….
• Chronic amphetamine intoxication leads to severe and
compulsive craving for the drug.
• A high degree of tolerance is characteristic, with the
dependent individual needing up to 15-20 times the initial
dose, in order to obtain the pleasurable effects.
• A common pattern of chronic use is a cycle of runs
(heavy use for several days) followed by crashes
(stopping the drug use).
• Tactile hallucinations, in clear consciousness, may
sometimes occur in chronic amphetamine intoxication.

7. Withdrawal Symptoms
• Fatigue, exhaustion, difficulty staying awake
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Insomnia or hypersomnia at night
• Increased appetite
• Psychomotor retardation or agitation
• Anxiety
• Short term memory loss
• Inability to concentrate

8. Treatment- Intoxication
• Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administering
activated charcoal
• No effective pharmacological or psychosocial treatment
options available to treat Amphetamine dependence
• Acute intoxication is treated by symptomatic measures,
– Hyperpyrexia (cold sponging, parenteral antipyretics),
– Seizures (parenteral diazepam)
– Psychotic symptoms (antipsychotics)
– Hypertension (antihypertensive)
– Acidifiation of urine (with oral NH4Cl; 500 mg every 4
hours) facilitates the elimination of amphetamines.

9. Treatment -Withdrawal
Symptoms
• The presence of severe suicidal depression may
necessitate hospitalization.
• Symptomatic management
• Antidepressants
• Supportive psychotherapy.
• The management of withdrawal syndrome is usually the
first step towards successful management of
amphetamine dependence.

10. Thank You