Amphetamine Addiction: Symptoms, Side Effects & Treatment

In the 1950s, reports of malnutrition, psychosis, and depression on withdrawal caused doctors to stop prescribing amphetamines for weight loss. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Used under prescription, stimulants can be safe and effective. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of dextroamphetamine tablets to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children younger than 3 years of age.

Benzodiazepines, for example, are anti-anxiety agents that may be used to help an individual sleep, but that can also be addictive. Those who use amphetamines for recreational purposes tend to take much higher doses. In effect, this can lead to increased tolerance, dependence, and overdose. Stopping consumption after long-term use results in amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially weight loss.

Do amphetamines cause withdrawal symptoms?

This medicine may cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a problem with blood circulation in the fingers or toes. Tell your doctor if you or your child have tingling or pain, a cold feeling, paleness, or skin color changes in the fingers or toes, especially when exposed to cold temperatures. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained sores or ulcers on your fingers or toes. For treating ADHD, when possible, your doctor may try to stop the drug occasionally to determine if you still need to be on it. If the behavioral symptoms return, you may need to continue therapy for the time being.

  • Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.
  • They are prescribed to children and adults with medical conditions like ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, obesity and narcolepsy.
  • If you’re dependent on amphetamines and are taking more than the required daily amount prescribed by your healthcare provider, you shouldn’t breastfeed (chestfeed).
  • Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
  • To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.

Calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers and beta-blockers may also prove helpful for amphetamine-related rapid heart rate. Schedule II drugs are considered dangerous substances when used without the supervision of a doctor. However, even when used medically, amphetamines can cause serious problems. No matter how amphetamines are taken, addiction can occur easily. Taking these drugs with amphetamine may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.

Effects of Stimulant Drugs: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Lisdexamfetamine is available as capsules or chewable tablets, and typical daily dosages range from 20 mg to 70 mg. Amphetamine enters the presynaptic axon terminal through diffusion or uptake by the monoamine transporters how long do amphetamines stay in your blood DAT, NET, and SERT. At this time, there is no medicine that can help reduce the use of amphetamines by blocking their effects. If you have severe withdrawal symptoms, you may need to stay at a live-in treatment program.

amphetamines side effects

Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. Other common side effects of amphetamine include insomnia, headache, dry mouth, tachycardia, increase in systolic blood pressure, restlessness, and irritability. They are legal when they are prescribed by a doctor and used to treat health problems such as obesity, narcolepsy, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Taking amphetamine during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. The Evekeo brand of amphetamine is used to treat ADHD and also narcolepsy.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes like depression). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly.

One of the quickest ways to get high from amphetamine or methamphetamine is to dissolve the powder in water and inject it. This method gets the drug into the bloodstream and to the brain almost immediately, creating an intense high. Amphetamine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the drug formulation. Lisdexamfetamine may be preferred if there is increased concern for misuse by the patient or a household member, as its chemically-phased release allows for once-daily dosing and may theoretically deter abuse.

amphetamines side effects

The treatment methods listed above are all available to combat the dangerous effects of amphetamine addiction. Mild dependence can also occur while using the drug as doctors prescribe. However, you can experience more severe withdrawal symptoms and dependence by abusing amphetamine. These substances confer short-term effects like increased energy and alertness. However, prolonged use can lead to dependence, addiction, and serious side effects that damage physical and mental health.

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