Drugs that Stimulate the Nervous System
Cocaine, Amphetamines and Amphetamine Like Drugs
| Amphetamines | |||||
| Drug Group | Principle Drug | Legal Status | Recommended Medical Use | Methods of Administration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Slang Name | ||||
| Amphetamines | 1-phenylpropan-2-amine | Base, Billy, Dexies, Phet, Speed, Sulph, Whizz | Class B (UK) Prescription-Only Medicine | Oral, intravenous, vaporization, insufflation, suppository, sublingual | |
| Effects | Physical effects of amphetamine can include reduced appetite, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia, increased breathing rate, increased blood pressure, fever, sweating, diarrhoea, constipation, blurred vision, impaired speech, dizziness, uncontrollable movements, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, arrhythmia. In high doses or chronic use convulsions, dry or itchy skin, acne, pallor can occur. Young adults who abuse amphetamines may be at greater risk of suffering a heart attack. In a study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, researchers found a relationship between a diagnosis of amphetamine abuse and heart attack. Psychological effects of amphetamine could include euphoria, a sense of well being, increased alertness, increased concentration, increased talkativeness, increased energy, excitability, feeling of power or superiority, repetitive behaviours, increased aggression, and in rare cases paranoia. Effects are similar, to cocaine, especially when insufflated, injected, or vaporized |
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| Methamphetamine | |||||
| Drug Group | Principle Drug | Legal Status | Recommended Medical Use | Methods of Administration | |
| Scientific Name | Slang Name | ||||
| Methamphetamine | (2S)-N-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine | Crystal Meth, crystal, jib, ice, tina, p, glass | Controlled Class A drug | Methamphetamine is used medically under the brand name Desoxyn for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Extreme obesity, and Narcolepsy | Oral, I.V., I.M., Insufflation, Inhalation, Suppository |
| Effects | Methamphetamine addicts may lose their teeth abnormally quickly, a condition known as "meth mouth". This effect is not caused by any corrosive effects of the drug itself, which is a common myth. According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching." Common immediate effects include euphoria, increased energy and attentiveness, diarrhoea, nausea, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, insomnia, tremor, agitation, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks, talkativeness, irritability, panic attacks, and increased libido. Side effects associated with chronic use include drug craving, weight loss, depression and anhedonia, Amphetamine psychosis, and dopamine receptor downregulation and hypersensitization. Side effects associated with overdose include brain damage/Meningitis (Neurotoxicity) formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infecting sores), and rhabdomyolysis (Muscle breakdown) which leads to Kidney failure. Death from overdose is usually due to stroke, heart failure, but can also be caused by cardiac arrest (sudden death) or hyperthermia. |
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| Cocaine | |||||
| Drug Group | Principle Drug | Legal Status | Recommended Medical Use | Methods of Administration | |
| Scientific Name | Slang Name | ||||
| Cocaine | benzoylmethyl ecgonine | Coke, Charlie C, White, Percy, Snow, Toot | Cocaine is a Class A drug, but some medical use is permitted. | Cocaine is used in medicine as a topical anesthetic, even in children, specifically in eye, nose and throat surgery. | Insufflation, Injection, Smoked (as crack cocaine) |
| Effects | It is both a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The euphoria is sometimes followed by feelings of discomfort and depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Sexual interest and pleasure can be amplified. Side effects can include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increase with frequent usage. With excessive or prolonged use, the drug can cause itching, tachycardia, hallucinations, and paranoid delusions. Overdoses cause tachyarrhythmias and a marked elevation of blood pressure. These can be life-threatening, especially if the user has existing cardiac problems. Side effects from chronic smoking of cocaine include hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pruritus, fever, diffuse alveolar infiltrates without effusions, pulmonary and systemic eosinophiliachest, pain, lung trauma, shortness of breath, sore throat, asthma, hoarse voice, dyspnea, and an aching, flu-like syndrome. A common but untrue belief is that the smoking of cocaine chemically breaks down tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. However, cocaine does often cause involuntary tooth grinding, known as bruxism, which can deteriorate tooth enamel and lead to gingivitis. Chronic intranasal usage can degrade the cartilage separating the nostrils (the septum nasi), leading eventually to its complete disappearance. |
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