Amphetamine type stimulant

Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) are a group of synthetic drugs that are chemical derivatives of the parent compound alpha-methylphenethylamine, also known as amphetamine. Common ATS includes amphetamine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA).[1] ATS when used illicitly has street names including ice, meth, crystal, crank, bennies, and speed. Within the group of amphetamine-type stimulants, there are also prescription drugs including mixed amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine.

Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 by the Romanian chemist Lazar Edeleano.[2][3] It has since been used to treat a range of disorders from asthma to ADHD and illicitly for recreational purposes. Amphetamine-type stimulants contain chemical groups including unsubstituted phenyl ring, a methyl group at the alpha-position, and primary amino group, which accounts for its psychostimulant activities. ATS with multiple substitutions on the phenyl ring has a hallucinogenic effect on top of the psychostimulant effect, and are categorised as the ecstasy-class drugs.[4]

Amphetamine-type stimulants in general are sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the central nervous system, also proven to cause insomnia, arousal, and reduced hunger. Due to its physiological and psychological effects, ATS has been used to suppress appetite, improve cognitive performance, as well as treating ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Amphetamine type stimulants are also known for their addictive property and widespread problem of substance abuse. The adverse effects of ATS, especially when chronically used, include obsessive–compulsive tendencies, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, mania and in extreme cases, amphetamine psychosis.

  1. ^ Cao DN, Shi JJ, Hao W, Wu N, Li J (June 2016). "Advances and challenges in pharmacotherapeutics for amphetamine-type stimulants addiction". European Journal of Pharmacology. 780: 129–35. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.040. PMID 27018393.
  2. ^ McCreary AC, Mueller CP, Filip M (January 2015). "Psychostimulants: basic and clinical pharmacology.". In Taba P, Lees A, Sikk K (eds.). International Review of Neurobiology. The Neuropsychiatric Complications of Stimulant Abuse. Vol. 120. Academic Press. pp. 41–83. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2015.02.008. ISBN 9780128029787. PMID 26070753.
  3. ^ Edeleano L (1887). "Ueber einige Derivate der Phenylmethacrylsäure und der Phenylisobuttersäure". Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. 20 (1): 616–622. doi:10.1002/cber.188702001142. ISSN 1099-0682.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :9 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).