college students use amphetamines, referred to as “study drugs,” with the intent of improving their academic performance.Īmphetamines affect the brain’s reward system through the release of dopamine. However, students are the group that most commonly misuse these prescription amphetamines. Amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine and Vyvanse are primarily prescribed for patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy.Īmphetamines are often sought out for non-medical uses, such as weight loss or to stay awake longer. What is amphetamine?Īmphetamines are synthetic drugs that stimulate activity in the central nervous system through neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants can also cause increased energy and focus.Ĭontinue reading to learn more about the differences between amphetamines and methamphetamine, and the warning signs of a stimulant use disorder. Methamphetamine, also a stimulant, is an illicit street drug that has no medical usage.īoth of these substances are included in the DEA Schedule II classification because they are prone to abuse and addiction.Īll stimulants speed up the central nervous system, which can cause an increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate and a rise in blood pressure.

Amphetamines are prescription drugs from the stimulant class of substances that are used in medicine to treat certain conditions.

Amphetamine mechanism of action