While there is no exact cause attributed to mental health conditions, there is research that reveals it’s likely a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common mental health related diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor may prescribe a common prescription stimulant, such as dextroamphetamine or an amphetamine combination product. Here’s how people can potentially use and misuse this stimulant:
Symptoms of Misusing Prescribed Stimulants
- Taking this medicine in a different manner or dose that what’s prescribed
- Using someone else’s medication
- Taking medicine to get high
Taking this medicine requires a doctor’s supervision. There is a high risk for dependency turning into an addiction. A person should not use amphetamines without proper care and direction from a medical professional. It’s especially risky when a person combines this stimulant with alcohol or other drugs.
Possible Short-Term Effects of Using Amphetamine
- Quicker reactions
- High energy or wakefulness
- Excitement
- An increase of attentiveness and concentration
- Feelings of euphoria
Possible Long-Term Effects of Using Amphetamine
- Obsessive behavior
- Compulsive drug-seeking behavior
- Convulsions
- Cravings for the drug or dependency
- Hallucination
- Violent behavior
- Loss of coordination
- Paranoia
- Respiratory system problems
The feedback of side effects of amphetamine usage depends on the user’s medical state, body composition, or the dosage of amphetamine intake. Thus, the side effects may also include:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Hostile behavior
- Nausea
- Cognitive impairment
- Severe anxiety
- Loss of appetite.
- Teeth grinding
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid breathing
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Increase in body temperature
- Erectile dysfunction
The most dangerous side effects are high blood pressure, increased heart rate and an irregular heartbeat. These symptoms involve potentially fatal cardiovascular events. If you happen to experience any of these side effects, get immediate medical attention.
Takeaway
The use of amphetamine is beneficial when a doctor properly diagnoses the patient, and he or she abides by the dosage regimen. However, it can gravely endanger people who use and abuse it, with or without a prescription.
Medical attention and monitoring are essential when taking this drug. Moderation can result in less dependency and fewer risks of adverse effects. The bottom line is: amphetamine should not be used for recreational purposes.