As drugs of mixed action, amphetamines activate adrenergic receptors and simultaneously
release endogenic catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) from neurons of the
brain and periphery. Sympathomimetic effects on the periphery are very similar to those
of ephedrine. Amphetamine elevates systolic and diastolic blood pressure and has weakly
expressed, broncholytic action. These effects are more prolonged, yet less expressed, than
with epinephrine.
amphetamines: A group of syntheticstimulants, with structuresbased in phenyl amines. Amphetamineitself has the formulaC6H5CH2CH(NH2)CH3.Methamphetamine has a methylgroup on the amino group, i.e.C6H5CH2CH(NHCH2)CH2.The hydrochloride of methamphetaminecan be crystallized giving a particularlypowerful form known as‘ice’ or crystal meth. Other examplesof amphetamines are ecstasy andmescaline. In the UK, amphetaminesare class B controlled substances(or class A if prepared forinjection).
Larger doses can cause hallucinations and mental conditions similar to paranoid
schizophrenia.
The term amphetamines is usually used in relation to racemates of
amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (8.1.2.2), and methamphetamine (8.1.2.3).
