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Psychological Term — Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant that produces increased alertness, elevated mood, and reduced fatigue. Medically, it is prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and some hyperkinetic disorders. It exerts its effects primarily by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons and by blocking dopamine reuptake transporters. This leads to heightened synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters, which enhances activation across relevant neural circuits.
Amphetamine’s effects typically last for several hours and are sometimes accompanied by unwanted psychological states, including anxiety, insomnia, panic, and paranoid ideation. Its stimulating action can also produce euphoria, which contributes to its recreational misuse under the street name “speed.” Chronic or excessive use may lead to dependence, cardiovascular stress, and cognitive impairment.
The drug’s activating profile resembles that of methamphetamine, though the latter is generally considered more potent.
Historically marketed as Benzedrine, amphetamine has played an important role in wartime fatigue reduction and in psychiatric treatment. Contemporary clinical guidelines stress controlled dosage to minimize risks. Pharmacologically, it is classified as a sympathomimetic amine and resembles related stimulants used for similar therapeutic purposes.
Amphetamine is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant that produces increased alertness, elevated mood, and reduced fatigue. Medically, it is prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and some hyperkinetic disorders. It exerts its effects primarily by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons and by blocking dopamine reuptake transporters. This leads to heightened synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters, which enhances activation across relevant neural circuits.
Amphetamine’s effects typically last for several hours and are sometimes accompanied by unwanted psychological states, including anxiety, insomnia, panic, and paranoid ideation. Its stimulating action can also produce euphoria, which contributes to its recreational misuse under the street name “speed.” Chronic or excessive use may lead to dependence, cardiovascular stress, and cognitive impairment.
The drug’s activating profile resembles that of methamphetamine, though the latter is generally considered more potent.
Historically marketed as Benzedrine, amphetamine has played an important role in wartime fatigue reduction and in psychiatric treatment. Contemporary clinical guidelines stress controlled dosage to minimize risks. Pharmacologically, it is classified as a sympathomimetic amine and resembles related stimulants used for similar therapeutic purposes.
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