Management of Acute and Chronic Drug Abuse of Amphetamines

Abstract

(from the chapter) Although initially used to treat nasal congestion and battle fatigue, amphetamine is today used in treatment of narcolepsy, ADHD and weight loss. However, it is a common recreational drug with 0.7 % of the world population between 15 and 64 having used it in the past year. Acute amphetamine intoxication is potentially life threatening with several serious medical sequelae. It is imperative that clinicians manage well in the acute setting, but also keeps an open mind as its presentation carries a wide differential diagnosis. Amphetamine is a highly addictive drug with rapidly increasing tolerance. Chronic misuse results in serious medical and psychiatric health problems, which often leads to premature death. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)