Amphetamine

Amphetamine (amfetamine) is a stimulant, introduced into clinical use in 1935 to treat depression, fatigue and obesity, but amphetamine (amfetamine) dependence soon arose among female patients. Abuse is now widespread among young multiple drug abusers. These drugs are often available in home-made form as speed or sulphate and are used orally or intravenously.

Principle effects include reduced hunger and fatigue, increased talkativeness, greater energy and concentration - a syndrome which may be mistaken for hypomania. A withdrawal state of severe anergia may mimic depression. amphetamines (amfetamines) can induce a psychotic state with frank delusions of persecution or reference, and visual, tactile, and fragmentary auditory hallucinations in clear consciousness, mimicking schizophrenia. Psychotic symptoms fade over 5-7 days after stopping the drug, but neuroleptic treatment may be necessary.

In modern medicine, amphetamine is approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It has indications as a first-line agent for ADHD in adults and children six years of age and older. Amphetamine is also a second-line agent for the treatment of narcolepsy. Lisdexamfetamine, a long-acting amphetamine medication, is approved for the treatment of a binge-eating disorder.

Reference

1. Heal DJ, Smith SL, Gosden J, Nutt DJ. Amphetamine, past and present--a pharmacological and clinical perspective. J Psychopharmacol. 2013 Jun;27(6):479-96.