Amphetamines

Pharmacology

Amphetamine exerts its behavioural effects by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, effecting the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Amphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants act principally to release dopamine into the synaptic cleft and the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are released from nerve endings in the brain and their reuptake is either slowed down or inhibited. Consequently, a build up of these neurotransmitters at synapses in the brain accumulates. When nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are activated by amphetamine, the mental focus, the ability to stay awake, and the ability to concentrate is improved, which is helpful for those with hyperactivity disorders or narcolepsy. Amphetamine is implicated in short-term reward and in the ‘flight/fight’ response in humans. The ‘come-down’ effect is consequently disorientating and unpleasant, interferes with the sleep pattern and can be implicated in impulsive and high-risk behaviours.