D-amphetamine is a stimulant medication that affects the central nervous system. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, a classification reflecting its accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse. This means it is a prescribed treatment for specific disorders but is also subject to strict regulatory control. The medication’s primary role is to alter brain chemistry for therapeutic purposes.
How D-Amphetamine Works in the Brain
D-amphetamine works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. These chemicals help regulate attention, motivation, and wakefulness. The drug’s molecular structure allows it to pass from the bloodstream into the brain.
Once in the brain, the drug has a two-part influence on nerve cells. It first prompts the release of stored dopamine and norepinephrine into the synapse, the gap between neurons. Second, it obstructs the reuptake process, which prevents the nerve cell from reabsorbing the excess neurotransmitters. This blockage keeps the chemicals active in the synapse for longer.
This dual action leads to an accumulation of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapse, amplifying their signaling. The increased norepinephrine heightens alertness and arousal. The surge in dopamine is linked to feelings of pleasure and reward, which contributes to the drug’s potential for addiction. This neurochemical process underpins both its therapeutic applications and risks.
Approved Medical Treatments
The primary medical use for d-amphetamine is managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For individuals with ADHD, the medication can improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage hyperactivity. It helps normalize brain activity in regions responsible for executive function and attention.
D-amphetamine is also an FDA-approved treatment for narcolepsy, a condition causing overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. The drug’s stimulant properties promote wakefulness and reduce the incidence of these attacks.
The medication is available under brand names like Dexedrine and ProCentra and is a component of Adderall. Formulations are available in both immediate-release and extended-release versions to suit different patient needs.
Adverse Effects and Health Risks
Even when taken as prescribed, d-amphetamine can cause adverse effects. Common short-term issues include insomnia, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. It can also cause an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and blurred vision. Some individuals may experience heightened anxiety, restlessness, or irritability.
Chronic use of d-amphetamine can pose more substantial health risks. The continuous stimulation of the cardiovascular system can strain the heart and blood vessels, with concerns about sudden death in individuals with preexisting heart conditions. Significant weight loss can occur due to appetite suppression. Severe dental problems can also develop from a combination of dry mouth and teeth grinding.
Prolonged use can also have neuropsychiatric consequences. In some individuals, it can worsen or trigger psychosis, paranoia, or other behavioral disturbances. The risk of these adverse outcomes increases with higher doses or non-prescribed use.
Potential for Dependence and Abuse
D-amphetamine has a high potential for tolerance and dependence. Tolerance develops when the body adapts to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. This escalation of dosage can transition from medical use to a hazardous pattern of consumption.
Dependence can be both physical and psychological. Physical dependence occurs when the body relies on the drug to function, and its absence leads to withdrawal symptoms like extreme fatigue, depression, and increased appetite. Psychological dependence involves a craving for the drug’s effects, making it difficult to stop using even when negative consequences arise.
Abuse of d-amphetamine is characterized by using the drug without a prescription, taking it in ways other than prescribed, or for non-medical reasons. This includes students using it to study or individuals taking it for its euphoric properties. This misuse significantly elevates the risk of overdose, addiction, and severe health complications. The line between medical use and abuse is defined by adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen.