Prescription Drugs Amphetamines
By: Elena Agosto & Monica Malkinska
What are prescription drug amphetamines?
Prescription drug amphetamines are stimulants. Stimulants are drugs that speed up your body process, such as your alertness, attention and energy. This drug is also able to rise a persons blood pressure and heartbeat. These drugs can also be called skippy, the smart drug, vitamin R, bennies, black beauties, rose, hearts, speed, or uppers. It is rare for this drug to be unsafe if prescribed by a doctor, but if used by its self can cause serious problems, such as health problems or addiction. Amphetamines were commonly used to treat problems such as asthma and obesity problems but doctors hardly prescribe them anymore. They are still used for health problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).
How are Stimulants Abused?
Stimulants can be introduced into the body in different ways. It is formally used in pill form, but people also crush it up and snort it or inject it. People can abuse this drug in different ways, such as taking someone else's prescribed medication, using their medication in a different way then your supposed to, and using it to get high. Students use this drug a lot when trying to get their work done, mostly for exams or such that they are trying to quickly get done. Although they think it does, this drug does not help learning or thinking.
How do Prescription Stimulants Affect the Brain?
If this medication is taken correctly, then it will produce the healthy and the intended results. The doctors insure this by slowly introducing the drug until they find the right amount for you. If it is not taken correctly, such as in the wrong doses or other ways then, it will increase the amount of dopamine in your brain. When dopamine increases, communication to the brain cells stops, making you "high" and after taking them for a long time, addicted.
Can you get Addicted to Stimulants?
Yes, you can get addicted. Addiction is when you constantly want to have the drug you're abusing, and keep taking it. But when you suddenly stop taking it you can get withdrawal. When this happens this can cause inability to feel pleasure, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, irritability, feeling very tired, and lack of energy.
What are the Other Side Effects of Stimulant Abuse?
You should never mix medications that contain decongestants. Mixing them can cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. Continued use of a lot of stimulants can include dangerously high body temperature, decreased sleep, lack of wanting to eat (which can lead to poor nutrition), intense anger or paranoia, and risk of seizures and stroke.
Can you Die if you Abuse Stimulants?
You can die from these stimulants, when you abuse it. These stimulants can cause dangerously high heartbeats, and raise body temp. This can lead to heart failure and seizures than death.
How Many Teens Abuse this Stimulant?
A lot of teens in various grades abuse this drug. In 8th, 10th and 12th in their lifetime there is a high percent. 8th graders is 6.80%, 10th grade 9.70%, and 12th grade 10.80 percent.
What Should you do if Someone you Know Needs Help?
If you know someone who has this addiction then you should call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Their number is 1-800-273-TALK. They do more than just talk about suicide. They also talk about things that can help you.