Amphetamine

History Amphetamine

First synthesized in 1887 Germany? amphetamine was for a long time? a drug in search of a disease. Nothing much was done with the drug? from its discovery (synthesis) until the late 1920's? when it was investigated as a cure or treatment against a variety of illnesses and maladies (Cvlayton? 15-17). These included epilepsy? schizophrenia? alcoholism? opiate addiction? migraine? head injuries? and irradiation sickness? among many others.

In 1927 it was found to raise blood pressure? enlarge nasal and bronchial passages? and stimulate the central nervous system. In 1932? amphetamine was marketed as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion (for asthmatics? hay fever sufferers? and people with colds).

In 1935 physicians successfully used it to treat narcolepsy (a condition characterized by brief attacks of deep sleep that can occur at anytime of the day). In 1937 amphetamine was found to have a positive effect on some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Cvlayton? 15-17). People with ADHD have difficulty concentrating. When given amphetamine? some people with ADHD notably improve their concentration and performance. Instead of making ADHD sufferers more jumpy? as might be expected? amphetamine calms them down. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form.

In 1965 all amphetamines became illegal in the U.S. unless a person had a doctors prescription. In 1970 The Controlled Substances Act severely restricted the legal production of injectable methamphetamine (Cvlayton? 15-17).

In 1971? there were 31 amphetamine preparations being distributed by 15 pharmaceutical companies. Legal production was over 12 billion pills a year. Crystal Methamphetamine? more potent and easier to make than amphetamine? was first synthesized in Japan? in 1919 (Conolly? 33-37). The crystalline powder was soluble in water? making it a perfect candidate for injection. It is still legally produced in the U.S.? and sold under the trade name Desoxyn. During World War II? amphetamines were widely used to keep the fighting men going. During the Viet Nam war? American soldiers used more amphetamines than the rest of the world did during WWII (Conolly? 33-37). In Japan? intravenous methamphetamine abuse reached epidemic proportions immediately after World War II? when supplies stored for military use became available to the public. In the United States in the 1950s? legally manufactured tablets of both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available and were used non medically by college students? truck drivers? and athletes. As use of amphetamines spread? so did their abuse (Conolly? 33-37). Amphetamines became a cure-all for such things as weight control to treating mild depression.

Legal Definition

Amphetamines are class B prescription only drugs under the Medicines Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Therefore? doctors can prescribe them to patients legally? but any other unauthorized production? supply or possession is an offense. In the US? amphetamines are categorized under Schedule II along with cocaine. Legal amphetamines? like dexamphetamine and methylphenidate? are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and usually only prescribed for particular disorders such as narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Illegal amphetamines are manufactured in clandestine laboratories and ...