Presentation
They have been present in Europe since 2007 but are now becoming a burgeoning presence in American hospitals. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
TABLE B Users of amphetamines by age (Percentages) 1954 1955 1956 Age Past users Present users Past users Present users Past users Present users Under 15 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 15-16 2.5 1.9 1.4 1.6 0.9 0.4 17 4.4 4.4 2.8 1.8 1.3 2.4 18 6.5 5.7 6.2 4.1 [unodc.org]
Entire Body System
- Anorexia
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors cause initial transient anorexia without causing long-term weight loss. Sibutramine is no longer marketed. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Other possible side effects of stimulants include hypersensitivity, urticaria, rashes, glaucoma, anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea. [newhealthadvisor.com]
[…] and the individual characteristics of the user, but the most common effects known to occur include: Dental problems Increased risk for contracting a number of diseases Loss of sexual function Long-term heart problems Brain damage Anxiety Depression Anorexia [harboroaks.com]
- Short Stature
Marshall syndrome can also include short stature. Some researchers have classified Marshall syndrome as a variant of Stickler syndrome, while others consider it to be a separate disorder. [ghr.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment-related growth attenuation is likely to increase the prevalence of short stature in children with ADHD. [journals.lww.com]
Respiratoric
- Cough
Final Monograph ( 21 CFR part 340 ) : Cold, Cough, Allergy, Bronchodilator, and Antiasthmatic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use OTC Stimulant Drug Products found on this page: Original Active Ingredients and Labeling Hangover Symptoms Stimulant [fda.gov]
Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4… Read more Brand names include 12 Hour Cold Maximum Strength, 12 Hour Decongestant, Biofed, Cenafed, Children's Sudafed, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Congestion [web.archive.org]
In whooping-cough, when a sedative is required but a stimulant is also indicated, ammonium bromide is often invaluable. [yourdictionary.com]
[…] risk for experiencing the following negative health effects: Nasal irritation Nasal bleeding Sinusitis Punctured nasal septum Abusing stimulants via inhalation can make users susceptible to experiencing the following effects on their health: Bronchitis Coughing [whitedeerrun.com]
They have been used for centuries to treat pain, cough, and diarrhea. 28 The most common modern use of opioids is to treat acute pain. [drugabuse.gov]
- Nasal Irritation
irritation Nasal bleeding Sinusitis Punctured nasal septum Abusing stimulants via inhalation can make users susceptible to experiencing the following effects on their health: Bronchitis Coughing Respiratory distress Pneumonitis Abusing stimulants in [whitedeerrun.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Loss of Appetite
[…] of sense of smell, nausea, nosebleeds, liver, lung and kidney damage, dangerous chemical imbalances in the body, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, decreases in heart and respiratory rates and hepatitis or peripheral neuropathy from long [web.archive.org]
Side effects include loss of appetite, insomnia, and weight loss. While under the influence of these controlled substances you may become overly sexually active and often times have unprotected sex. [treatment4addiction.com]
Short-term Effects of Cocaine ● loss of appetite ● increased heart rate ● blood pressure ● body temperature ● nausea ● disturbed sleep patterns ● hyperstimulation 12. [slideshare.net]
- Constipation
Opioids reduce the perception of pain but can also produce drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, constipation, and—depending upon the amount of drug taken—can depress respiration. Opioid misuse represents a unique challenge. [samhsa.gov]
The drug also appears to be safe, although some participants in the trial developed minor side effects such as constipation and nausea. [newscientist.com]
An unnaturally slow digestive system can lead to chronic constipation and colon cancer, while an impaired respiratory system leaves individuals at a higher risk for respiratory infections. [sunrisehouse.com]
[…] appetite Manic behavior Mood swings Panic attacks Paranoia Restlessness Tachycardia (a rapid heart rate) Tremors or body shakes Weight loss In addition, a dry mouth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, or gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea, or constipation [drugs.com]
- Increased Appetite
It often includes symptoms of depressed mood; fatigue; vivid dreams; sleep difficulties; increased appetite; psychomotor slowing or agitation; and powerful cravings. In some cases, suicidal ideation may also be present. [mentalhelp.net]
Short-term effects of meth use may include: increased attention, increased activity and wakefulness, decreased appetite, euphoria and rush, increased respiration, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or hyperthermia. [addictionrecov.org]
Other signs of intoxication may include excessive anxiety, suspiciousness or paranoid ideas in some and euphoria or apathy in others, impaired judgement, conjunctival injection, increased appetite, dry mouth, and tachycardia. [who.int]
- Flatulence
[…] propellant, propellent, repellent, water-repellent •resemblant • assailant, inhalant •sealant • sibilant • jubilant •flagellant • vigilant • pestilent •silent • Solent, volant •coolant • virulent • purulent • ambulant, somnambulant •coagulant • crapulent • flatulent [encyclopedia.com]
- Abdominal Distension
Patients typically present with biventricular heart failure; common symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion and while recumbent (nocturnal dyspnoea), palpitations, ankle oedema, and abdominal distension due to ascites. [who.int]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
Hypertension 2004 ; 43 : 932 – 5. 4. Impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hypertension in Western populations. Eur J Public Health 2004 ; 14 : 235 – 9. 5. [doi.org]
Since estradiol has two main receptors (ERα and ERβ) we will discuss their relative implications, and present new data showing a key role for ERα to prevent the hypertension induced by intermittent hypoxia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
May cause hypertension. • Psychiatric disorders: Long-term use may cause anxiety and symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia. [web.archive.org]
- Tachycardia
Stimulant medication may mimic the tachycardia of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Tachycardia, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage are just some of the possible risks of taking it. [addictionresource.net]
He was tremulous, agitated, and pale, with sinus tachycardia ranging from 140 to 160 bpm and normal blood pressure (BP). [lifeinthefastlane.com]
- Orthostatic Hypotension
hypotension, anesthesia-induced hypotension Use: Unlabeled/Investigational Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) Pregnancy Risk Factor C Lactation Enters breast milk/not recommended Contraindications Hypersensitivity to ephedrine or any component [web.archive.org]
- Irregular Heart Rhythm
They should not be combined with antidepressants or over-the-counter decongestants, as this combination can lead to severely high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms. [talbottcampus.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Muscle Cramp
Some of the common signs that indicate that someone may have overdosed on stimulants include: Fast breathing and heartbeat Very large pupils Chest pain Muscle cramping Seizures or shaking High fever Dizziness Unconsciousness Convulsions Seizures Cardiovascular [harboroaks.com]
cramping After Ecstasy’s immediate effects have worn off, some people, especially heavy users, complain of: Anxiety Restlessness Irritability Sadness Lack of appetite Less interest in or pleasure from sex Problems sleeping Aggressive behavior Difficulty [narconon.org]
Opioid withdrawal is accompanied by rhinorrhoea (running nose), lacrimation (excessive tear formation), aching muscles, chills, gooseflesh, and, after 24-48 hours, muscle and abdominal cramps. [who.int]
Skin
- Flushing
Physical side effects include dizziness, tremor, headache, flushed skin, chest pains with palpitations, excessive sweating, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. [pamf.org]
Physical Signs of Stimulant Abuse Include: Increased alertness Weight loss Panic attacks Compulsive behavior Dizziness Flushed skin Excessive sweating Restlessness Inhibitory control Vomiting Aggression Chronic sleep problems Loss of coordination Loss [recoveryconnection.com]
The following signs and symptoms have been associated with stimulant overdose: Flushing of the skin Excessive sweating Irregular breathing Cramping Feelings of panic Heart palpitations Hypertension Vomiting Chest pain Cardiac arrest Seizures Stroke [whitedeerrun.com]
Dry mouth Rapid breathing Headache Increased talkativeness Nausea Palpitations Tremors High body temperature Paranoia Cardiovascular system failure Ulcers Difficulty breathing Dizziness Flush or pale skin Unusual tiredness or weakness Pounding heartbeat [drugrehab.com]
Extremely high doses can cause users to flush or become pale, have irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical collapse. [addictionrecov.org]
- Increased Sweating
Report excessive nervousness or excitation, inability to sleep, facial flushing, pounding heartbeat, muscle tremors or weakness, chest pain or palpitations, bronchial irritation or coughing, or increased sweating. [web.archive.org]
Eyes
- Blurred Vision
Often times you may experience insomnia, dizziness and blurred vision. However, amphetamines are considered a “controlled substance” due to the extremely high chances of one being addicted or dependent upon the drug. [treatment4addiction.com]
Other side effects include anxiety, blurred vision, sleeplessness, and dizziness. Abuse of amphetamines can cause irregular heartbeat and even physical collapse. [well.com]
[…] pep pills, copilots, bumble bees, Benzedrine, Dexedrine, footballs, biphetamine Orally, injected, snorted, or smoked Addiction, Irritability, Anxiety, Increased blood pressure, Paranoia/psychosis, Depression, Aggression, Convulsions, Dilated pupils & blurred [web.archive.org]
In addition the user, may experience dry mouth, sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. [addictionrecov.org]
- Diplopia
We are reporting 2 cases of definite brainstem dysfunction and 5 cases of transient diplopia secondary to IV abuse of Benzedrex®. [doi.org]
Injection of the drug has been found to cause transient diplopia and brain stem dysfunction.[116][117][118] Pseudoephedrine[edit] Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. [en.wikipedia.org]
Signs of intoxication include belligerence, assaultiveness, lethargy, psychomotor impairment, euphoria, impaired judgement, dizziness, nystagmus, blurred vision or diplopia, slurred speech, tremors, unsteady gait, hyperreflexia, muscle weakness, stupor [who.int]
Psychiatrical
- Euphoria
Through their actions on powerful endogenous reward centers, central stimulants produce intense euphoria that reinforces subsequent usage and eventual dependence. [doi.org]
They cause extreme levels of energy, mind racing, heart racing, elevated mood and a sense of euphoria. Side effects include loss of appetite, insomnia, and weight loss. [treatment4addiction.com]
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Street Names: Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, XTC, ADAM, Rolls, Pills, Love Drug, Go Methods of Use: taken orally in tablet form Short-term Effects: euphoria, muscle tension, nausea, heat exhaustion, fainting, chills, sweating [stimulants.com]
Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles Crack Also known as: Crack, "Crack cocaine", Freebase rocks, Rock You probably know why crack is abused - Quick high Power Euphoria But did you know that - Crack is almost instantly addictive. [web.archive.org]
- Abnormal Behavior
If clearly abnormal behavior persists, the medication should be reduced or discontinued. [utmb.edu]
In several articles, Ellinwood and colleagues describe the evolution of MA-induced psychosis as progressively abnormal behaviors--beginning at moderately high doses--with intense feelings of curiosity about the environment and patterns of exploration [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Neurologic
- Hyperactivity
Teenage status of hyperactive and non-hyperactive learning disabled boys. Am J Orthopsychiatry 1977; 47: 577–96 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 47. Riddle KD, Rapoport JL. A 2-year follow-up of 72 hyperactive boys. [doi.org]
Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) About 2%-6% of adults have ADHD, a common behavioral problem. Symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.... [medicinenet.com]
Abstract Amphetamine or methylphenidate are first-line options for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Seizure
First responders and emergency room doctors try to treat the overdose with the intent of restoring blood flow to the heart and stopping the seizure with care or with medications if necessary. [drugabuse.gov]
Reduction in seizure threshold is a theoretical pharmacologic effect of stimulants. Stimulants should be used with caution in children with known seizure disorders. [utmb.edu]
There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or deadly seizures. [drugfree.org]
Taking high dosages of stimulants can result in convulsions, seizures, and possibly even death. Long-Term Health Effects of Stimulants With prolonged stimulant use, your tolerance to the drug builds up. [mazzittiandsullivan.com]
Short-term Effects: a short high that lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, increased breathing, “intense euphoria,” cravings, depression, decreased appetite, aggression, paranoia, addiction ( CESAR ) Long-term Effects: addiction, delirium, psychosis, brain seizures [stimulants.com]
- Insomnia
Side effects include loss of appetite, insomnia, and weight loss. While under the influence of these controlled substances you may become overly sexually active and often times have unprotected sex. [treatment4addiction.com]
Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements to treat insomnia. [medicinenet.com]
[…] powder into the nasal passages”), intravenous injection, ingested orally, rubbed on the gums, sprinkled on cigarettes or marijuana joints Short-term Effects: a short high that lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, restlessness, insomnia [stimulants.com]
Ice causes a very jittery high, along with anxiety, insomnia, sometimes paranoia. [web.archive.org]
Once addicted, going without the drug can bring on withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and intense drug cravings. [elementsbehavioralhealth.com]
- Tremor
Arm-drop of arm position was indicated by the arm longitudinal rotation axis (ALoRA), and tremor was indicated by the overall vector of dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Users may experience tremors, vertigo, muscle twitches, paranoia, or with repeated doses a toxic reaction closely resembling amphetamine poisoning. Some users report feeling restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. [yessafechoices.org]
Ice can cause convulsions, heart irregularities, high blood pressure, depression, restlessness, tremors, severe fatigue. An overdose can cause coma and death When you stop using ice you may experience a deep depression. [web.archive.org]
Abdominal cramps Psychological Signs of Stimulant Abuse Include: Poor judgment Visual and auditory hallucinations Loss of coordination Loss of verbal memory Tremors Suspiciousness Grandiosity Delusions Depression Stimulant psychosis Chronic stimulant [recoveryconnection.com]
- Agitation
Psychological symptoms of overamping, or “mental distress” could include: Extreme Anxiety Panic Extreme Paranoia Hallucinations Extreme Agitation Increased Aggressiveness Agitation, restlessness, irritability Hypervigilance (being super aware of your [harmreduction.org]
Still higher doses or chronic use can cause agitation, tremor, confusion, and, in the most serious cases, a state resembling paranoid schizophrenia. [britannica.com]
Withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms include agitation, abdominal cramps, nausea, severe emotional depression, exhaustion, insomnia, and anxiety. [shcs.ucdavis.edu]
Stimulant Withdrawal When a person first stops using stimulants, they may feel sad, agitated, and have intense cravings. [bluffsrehab.com]
The serious difficulties encountered in using haloperidol for sedative-hypnotic withdrawal in humans when agitation and hyperthermia are present may also apply to its use for acutely agitated or psychotic stimulant users who already have deficits in thermoregulatory [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Workup
Serum
- Hyperglycemia
Exaggeration of postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes by administration of caffeine in coffee. Endocr. Pract. 13 : 239-243 Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar. Lane JD, Feinglos MN, Surwit RS. 2008. [doi.org]
Treatment
[…] of treatment condition. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prognosis
Stimulant Addiction Treatment and Prognosis Medically monitored detoxification (detox) is the initial step in successful treatment of stimulant use disorder. [altamirarecovery.com]
Merkel F, Pullig O, Marx M, Netzer KO, Weber M: Course and prognosis of anti-basement membrane antibody (anti-GBM-ab)-mediated disease: Report of 35 cases. Nephrol Dial Transpl 1994;9:372–376. [doi.org]
The prognosis for substance use disorders is worsened by the presence of other untreated psychiatric disorders (or substance use disorders). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Etiology
Amphetamine is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as for the treatment of central nervous system disorders such as narcolepsy. 1 ADHD is a complex disorder associated with the substantial heterogeneity in etiology [drugbank.ca]
Non-ethanol components of alcoholic beverages may be involved in the etiology. [who.int]
Jerome, Gordon, and Hustler (1994) evaluated Canadian and U.S. teachers' knowledge of concepts related to ADHD and found that although teachers had little training regarding ADHD, they did well on knowledge-based questions regarding etiology and educational [ldonline.org]
Epidemiology
Examination of a drug's abuse potential at multiple levels of analysis (molecular/cellular action, whole-organism behavior, epidemiological data) is an essential component to regulating controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Several epidemiological studies on this issue have been published since then, warranting an update of the insights on this topic. [doi.org]
M 115 Methamphetamine Abuse: Epidemiologic Issues and Implications. NIDA Research Monograph 115. 130 pp. M 94 Pharmacology and Toxicology of Amphetamine-Related Designer Drugs. NIDA Research Monograph 94. 365 pp. [well.com]
Pathophysiology
Cocaine: pathophysiology and clinical toxicology. Heart Lung. 1997 Nov–Dec;26(6):466–483. quiz 484-465. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 77. Qureshi AI, Suri MF, Guterman LR, Hopkins LN. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Revisiting the role of the prefrontal cortex in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. [doi.org]
Prevention
Many responding physicians do not regularly implement practices that may prevent stimulant misuse, and the majority thinks most prevention practices are not very effective. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Conclusions: Doping with CNS stimulants is a real public health problem and all sports authorities should participate in its prevention. Dissemination of information is essential to prevent doping in sport and to provide alternatives. [doi.org]