Derivatives derived from amphetamine, which are far common as so-called designer drugs. Modifications can take place at the aromatic ring via individual groups and / or ring closure as well as via extension of the site chain. Modification at the amino group, usually methylisation, leads to the methamphetamines. See also Ecstasy.
Physiological effects
The physiological effects resembles that of the hormone adrenalin: hypotension, tachycardia, restrained intestine movements.
Psychological effect
The need to sleep is voided, thus the feeling of tiredness is suppressed. The mental activity is accelerated. Feeling of euphoria and an associated decreased self criticism lead to the subjective feeling of increased output. Physical dependence with amphetamines is more weakly than with opiates, pharmacological and however, psychological habituation is strong, i.e. the addicted must increase the dose, in order to achieve the desired euphoria. Under this permanent stress situation symptoms of acute mental disorder, above all a paranoic schizophrenia (pursuit thought, voices to hear, confusion) arised.
Withdrawal
The physical abstinence symptome of amphetamine withdrawal are weaker than the withdrawal of opiates. The symptoms of the psychological disturbance fade away after few days, at the most weeks. Psychological dependence, particularly with disposed neurotic personalities, continues longer and can be overcome partly only after appropriate psychosocial therapy. A large sleep need from 12-14 hours daily, frequently still months after the withdrawal is typical.
| Amphetamines | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine, (R,S)-1-Phenyl-2-propylamine, (R,S)-1-Phenylpropan-2-ylazane | -CH3 | -H | -H | -H | -H |
| DMA, Dimethoxyamphetamine, (R,S)-1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-2-propylamine, (R,S)-1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-propan-2-ylazane | -CH3 | -H | -OCH3 | -OCH3 | -H |
| (DOB), Brolamphetamine, Dimethoxybromamphetamine, (RS)-1-(4-Brom-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-ylazane. | -CH3 | -OCH3 | -H | -Br | -OCH3 |
| MDA, 3,4-Methylendioxyamphetamine, Tenamphetamine. | -CH3 | -H | -O-CH2-O- | -H | |
| MDE, N-Ethyl-3,4-Methylendioxyamphetamine. | -CH3 | -H | -O-CH2-O- | -H | |
| MMDA, 5-Methoxy-3,4-Methylendioxyamphetamine. | -CH3 | -H | -O-CH2-O- | -OCH3 | |
| PMA, 4-Methoxyamphetamine | -CH3 | -H | -H | -OCH3 | -H |
| 4-MTA, 4-Methylthioamphetamine | -CH3 | -H | -H | -S-CH3 | -H |
| TMA, 3,4,5-Trimethyoxyamphetamine | -CH3 | -H | -OCH3 | -OCH3 | -OCH3 |
| STP, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine, "Speed", "DOM" | -CH3 | -OCH3 | -H | -CH3 | -OCH3 |
see also: Methamphetamines, Phenethylamines
