See Also
Class
1. Sympathomimetic
2. Schedule II
Preparations:
1. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
2. Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
3. Propylhexedrine
4. Ephedrine
Street Names
1. Bennies
2. Speed
3. Pep Pills
4. Hearts
5. Wake-ups
6. Uppers
Pharmacokinetics
1. Amphetamine (5-250 mg): 4-12 hour duration
Routes
1. Swallowed
2. Intravenous
3. Smoked (ice or crystal Methamphetamine)
Medical uses
1. Relieves mild depression
2. Control appetite and Narcolepsy
Effects of heavy or prolonged use
1. Loss of appetite
2. Delusions
3. Hallucinations
4. Toxic Psychosis
Signs: Toxicity
1. See Sympathomimetic Toxicity
2. Similar to Cocaine, longer duration >2 hours
3. Adverse reaction also similar to Cocaine
Toxicity Management
1. See Sympathomimetic Toxicity
2. Same as for Cocaine
3. Ammonium chloride
  1. Acidifies urine
  2. Increases excretion
4. Avoid Haldol in amphetamine overdose
  1. Lowers Seizure threshold

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.