Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Curious History of Amphetamine: How did it evolve from chemical to drug in 1887?
Amphetamines, central nervous system stimulants, have evolved from chemicals discovered in 1887 to today's important drugs in the treatment of many diseases. It was first removed, combined with different administration methods such as injection and oral administration, and was used to relieve conditions such as nasal congestion and depression in the early 20th century. Subsequently, amphetamines were extensively studied and successfully marketed in the 1920s, becoming a dependence drug for various medical purposes.
Amphetamine entered the market in 1919. As one of the earliest prescription drugs, amphetamine has shown significant effects on withdrawal and helping patients manage symptoms such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The chemical structure of amphetamine is very unique and there are two enantiomers: levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Although the term amphetamine usually refers to a compound in which two enantiomers are combined in equal proportions, it is also often used broadly to refer to either enantiomer used alone. This has led to a variety of applications for amphetamines in medical, performance-enhancing and recreational uses.
In medical terms, amphetamines are mainly used to treat diseases such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Empirical studies have found that amphetamines can improve brain development and nerve growth, particularly in ADHD patients. This is increasingly supported by evidence from MRI studies, and long-term therapy shows that amphetamines effectively reduce the main symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsive behavior.
A report on the treatment analysis of ADHD states that 80% of patients who use amphetamines show improvement in symptoms, significantly improving quality of life and academic achievement.
Over time, amphetamines were also found to be useful in treating bulimia. In particular, its prodrug form, lisamphetamine, has been certified by the FDA and TGA as the only treatment for this disease. Research shows that these drugs not only help improve patients' mood control, but also improve their concentration.
For narcolepsy, the effects of amphetamines are often focused on increasing alertness and reducing the effects of excessive sleepiness. Compared with other drugs, amphetamines are relatively effective at promoting daytime alertness, which has earned them a place in the temporary treatment of chronic sleep disorders.
Although the medical uses of amphetamines continue to expand, the risks of abuse and addiction remain concerns. Particularly in non-medical settings, such as sports and recreational use, amphetamines are sought after by some for their stimulating effects, which sometimes lead to overdose and physical and mental health hazards.
Reflected in the data of the past ten years, adolescents and teenagers have become the main victim group among the detected amphetamine abuse cases.
Amphetamines not only affect neurotransmitter systems but are also used by some athletes as a performance-enhancing tool. For example, appropriate doses of amphetamines under general health conditions can improve endurance and reaction speed during strenuous exercise, but as the dose increases, its effects begin to change, and higher doses may result in impaired athletic performance.
It is worth noting that as the scope of amphetamine use expands, more clinical trials are still needed to clearly define its safety and effectiveness. Long-term use may have multiple effects on the brain and body, including the risk of substance dependence and psychiatric symptoms.
Many experts are calling for more standardized controls on amphetamine use to ensure their safety and efficiency for medical use.
In amphetamine's long and varied history, from its earliest chemical origins to its tightly controlled post-war drug, its role has been constantly adjusted and evolved in response to new research and changing social perceptions. People's use of amphetamines is also expanding with the advancement of disease treatment, but how to maintain its efficiency to the maximum extent without damaging health has always been a challenge. What kind of impact will such development have on future society?
