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Amphetamines are a drug class that include amphetamine and its derivatives. Many amphetamines are central stimulant drugs which increase alertness and focus, improve mood, decrease fatigue, and reduce appetite. Some amphetamines produce psychedelic effects and are considered hallucinogens or entactogens. Common amphetamines can produce euphoria, and have potential for abuse and psychological addiction. Amphetamines are used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and off-label for depression.[1][2]; some are used for weight-loss. Besides being used medically and as euphoriants, amphetamines are misused to enhance academic and physical activities.[3]
The term amphetamines should not be confused with the term amphetamine; the latter referring to the chemical alpha-methyl-phenethylamine or phenylisopropylamine (C9H13N), and the former referring to an entire class of drugs that contain the amphetamine backbone (technically known as substituted amphetamines).[4] Amphetamines can refer to amphetamine itself, but also the decongestant ephedrine, the antidepressant bupropion, or the psychedelics MDMA and Bromo-DragonFLY, among many others.[5][6][7]
Persons under the influence of amphetamine may show notable interest and intent concentration towards a specific task they are undertaking. Other common behaviors associated with amphetamine use may include (but are not limited to): increased sociability and talkativeness, increased alertness, changes in sex drive, euphoria, dysphoria, compulsive behavior, obsessive thoughts, increased confidence, persistent thirst, irritability, emotional lability, paranoia, tachycardia, hypertension, dry skin, insomnia, increased heart rate and in severe cases psychosis.[10]