Beskrivelse

Amphetamines – Central Nervous System Stimulants (Controlled Substances, Rx)

Amphetamines are a class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications used primarily in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

They work by increasing the levels of key neurotransmitters—especially dopamine and norepinephrine—in the brain. This enhances focus, alertness, attention control, and wakefulness.

Amphetamines include several formulations such as dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and mixed amphetamine salts, each with different release profiles and durations of action.

Due to their strong stimulant effects and potential for misuse, they are classified as controlled substances in most countries.

 Nøgledetaljer

• Drug Class: CNS stimulant (amphetamine-based compounds)
• Active Forms: Dextroamphetamine, levoamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, mixed salts
• Indikationer:
  • ADHD (børn og voksne)
  • Narkolepsi
• Mechanism of Action: Increases dopamine and norepinephrine release + blocks reuptake
• Therapeutic Effects: Improved attention, reduced impulsivity, increased wakefulness
• Prescription Status: Strictly controlled prescription medication

 Specifikationer

• Dosage Forms: Immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, prodrugs (e.g., lisdexamfetamine)
• Common Strengths: Varies (e.g., 5 mg–70 mg depending on formulation)
• Onset of Action:
  • Immediate-release: 30–60 minutes
• Varighed af handling:
  • IR: ~4–6 hours
  • XR: ~10–14 hours
• Half-Life: ~9–13 hours (varies by compound)
• Metabolisme: Hepatisk
• Udskillelse: Renal
• Opbevaring ved stuetemperatur

 Dosering og administration

• Must be individually prescribed and carefully titrated
• Typically taken once or twice daily depending on formulation
• Usually administered in the morning to avoid insomnia
• Treatment is often combined with behavioral therapy (for ADHD)
• Requires ongoing medical monitoring

 Kompatibilitet / Egnet brug

• Patienter diagnosticeret med ADHD
• Personer med narkolepsi (overdreven sløvhed i dagtimerne)
• Used within structured treatment plans including behavioral interventions
• Requires regular cardiovascular and mental health monitoring

 Advarsler og forholdsregler

• Risk of dependence, misuse, and addiction
• Kan øge hjertefrekvensen og blodtrykket
• Can worsen anxiety, agitation, or psychosis in susceptible individuals
• May suppress appetite and affect weight
• Can cause insomnia if taken late in the day
• Requires careful monitoring in children and adolescents

 Kontraindikationer

• Avanceret hjertesygdom
• Moderat til svær hypertension
• Hyperthyroidisme
• Grøn stær
• History of substance misuse (relative contraindication)
• Use with MAO inhibitors (dangerous interaction)

Why Amphetamines Are Used

Amphetamines are among the most effective treatments for ADHD and narcolepsy, significantly improving focus, attention, and wakefulness when used correctly under medical supervision. However, they require strict control due to high misuse and dependence potential.