Amphetamines is a drug class that affects the central nervous system. It is spelled /æmˈfɛtəmiːnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by "m" and "f" sounds. The second syllable starts with a short "e" sound followed by "t" and "ə" sounds. The final syllable contains a long "i" sound followed by "n" and "z" sounds. The spelling, though lengthy, accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word.
Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase alertness, attention, and energy levels. They are often prescribed to treat medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Additionally, they may be used to suppress appetite in cases of obesity.
Amphetamines work by enhancing the release and blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This leads to an increased synaptic concentration of these neurotransmitters, resulting in heightened arousal and improved cognitive function. As a result, individuals taking amphetamines may experience elevated mood, increased motivation, decreased fatigue, and enhanced concentration.
However, amphetamines have a high potential for abuse due to their stimulating effects. As a result, they are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in many countries, indicating that they have a currently accepted medical use but a high potential for dependence and misuse. Long-term abuse or improper use of amphetamines can lead to severe health consequences, including addiction, cardiovascular issues, and psychiatric disorders.
It is essential to use amphetamines only under the supervision and prescription of a physician to minimize the risk of misuse and to ensure the individual receives proper monitoring and medical guidance.
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The word "Amphetamines" is derived from the parent compound name "amphetamine", which originates from the chemical name α-methylphenethylamine.
The term α-methylphenethylamine can be broken down into three parts. The first part, α-methyl, indicates the addition of a methyl group (-CH3) to the alpha position of the phenethylamine structure. The second part, phenethyl, refers to the chemical structure known as phenethylamine, which is a basic chemical compound consisting of a phenyl ring connected to an ethyl group. The third part, amine, signifies the presence of an amino group (-NH2) within the molecule.
Over time, the name "amphetamine" was used to describe a group of synthetic psychoactive drugs that were chemically related to the original compound.