What Are the Side Effects of Amphetamine Abuse?
Amphetamines include many substances, such as Adderall and Ritalin, prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other examples are methamphetamine and diet pills. Amphetamines are often abused as recreational drugs or so-called study aids. When abused, amphetamines can have many side effects. These side effects may be short-term or long-term and can affect your personality.
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential side effects of amphetamine abuse. Over time, amphetamines can cause brain changes, which make it difficult for people to feel happy without taking the drug. As a result, quitting amphetamines can be extremely difficult.
The good news is that treatment options can help people overcome amphetamine use and lead healthy, drug-free lives. With the right support, you or a loved one can recover from amphetamine addiction and co-occurring disorders and lead fulfilling lives. For assistance, contact Zinnia Health or call (855) 430-9439.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are similar to cocaine but have a slower onset and longer duration.
When someone takes amphetamines, they may experience the following:
- Increased temperature and blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite loss
- Extreme fatigue
In addition, amphetamines can be highly addictive, and overdoses can be fatal. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks before taking this type of drug.
Do Stimulants Cause Inflammation?
The relationship between the brain and inflammation is complex. On the one hand, inflammation is a necessary response to injury or damage. It helps protect the brain and promotes healing. However, too much inflammation can damage the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cause other problems.
Many abused drugs, including stimulants, are pro-inflammatory. They can contribute to BBB disruption and propagate the cyclic relationship between neuroinflammation and BBB damage. In other words, inflammation caused by stimulant abuse can lead to further inflammation and more damage to the brain.
What are Short-term Side Effects of Amphetamines?
Short-term side effects of amphetamine abuse can be divided into two categories: physical and psychological.
Physical side effects include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased breathing rate
- Dry mouth
- Tics
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature
Psychological side effects include:
- Euphoria
- Increased alertness
- Increased energy
- Improved mood
Some people also experience paranoia, aggression, and psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
What Are the Risks of Taking Amphetamines?
While they can improve alertness and energy levels when prescribed for ADHD or narcolepsy, amphetamines can also be abused. When taken in large doses or used recreationally, amphetamines can lead to many dangerous side effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures.
In extreme cases, amphetamine overdose can be fatal.
What are Long-term Side Effects of Amphetamines?
Chronic abuse of amphetamines can produce:
- Psychosis that resembles schizophrenia, with symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, and violent or erratic behavior
- Cardiovascular problems such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure
- Gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal pain and constipation
Additionally, long-term amphetamine abuse can lead to malnutrition and weight loss, and psychiatric problems like anxiety and depression.
Can Adderall Cause Neurotoxicity?
While the amphetamine Adderall can be an effective treatment for ADHD, there’s some concern that it may cause neurotoxicity or damage to the nervous system. Adderall affects the central nervous system, and long-term use or abuse of the drug can damage this system. This damage can cause various issues, including memory loss, difficulty learning new information, and tremors.
While these effects can be challenging, they’re often reversible if you stop taking Adderall. However, in some cases, the damage may be permanent. With regular use, amphetamines can cause serious physical and psychological damage, leading to addiction.
Overcoming an amphetamine addiction can be difficult due to the severe withdrawal symptoms that users experience when they try to quit. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, and intense cravings for the drug.
Many users find themselves caught in a cycle of drug use, struggling to break free from their substance use disorder. However, with determination and professional help, it is possible to overcome an amphetamine addiction and return to a healthy and drug-free life. To find a treatment program near you, contact Zinnia Health or call (855) 430-9439.
Do Amphetamines Affect Your Personality?
One of the most well-known side effects of amphetamine abuse is changes in your personality. People who abuse amphetamines may become more irritable, anxious, and paranoid. They may also have trouble sleeping and experience hallucinations.
In extreme cases, people may become violent or suicidal. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it’s essential to seek help from a medical or mental health professional right away.
Can Amphetamines Cause Anxiety?
While amphetamines may offer temporary respite from anxiety symptoms, they can also cause long-term damage and lead to even more severe anxiety. Amphetamines stimulate the nervous system, which can initially help reduce feelings of anxiety.
However, this stimulation can also cause side effects such as chest pain, racing heart, tremors, mood swings, and insomnia, which can worsen anxiety symptoms. In addition, amphetamines are highly addictive, and stopping use can lead to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and depression — all of which can trigger or exacerbate anxiety.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Amphetamines?
Amphetamines can interact with a variety of drugs, substances, and supplements. For example, amphetamines can increase the risk of seizures when taken with tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines can also interact with other stimulants like caffeine and nicotine and depressants like alcohol. For example, consuming a high amount of caffeine or nicotine in conjunction with amphetamines can also increase the risk of side effects like anxiety and irritability.
Taking amphetamines with alcohol can intensify the effects of both substances and lead to serious health consequences, including the risk of overdose. If you take any medications or supplements, talk to your doctor before taking amphetamines.
Amphetamines are highly addictive, and many people who start using them find it difficult to stop. The symptoms can make it very hard for people to stick to their recovery plan. In addition, amphetamines are often used to cope with stress or negative emotions, so overcoming addiction can require addressing underlying issues. Finally, because amphetamines are widely available and relatively inexpensive, they can be tough to avoid.
All of these factors make overcoming amphetamine addiction and drug abuse a difficult process. For help, contact Zinnia Health or call (855) 430-9439.
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