ABSTRACT
The “amphetamines” and “cocaine” are two major subclasses of the psychostimulants that are commonly used by adolescents and young adults in the United State, particularly homeless adolescents and undergraduate university/college students. The amphetamines are synthetic drugs that produce dose-dependent actions on both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The amphetamines are “non-catecholamine” sympathomimetics. The amphetamines, as well as methylphenidate, are indirect-acting psychostimulants. The amphetamines and methylphenidate are licitly available in several ingestible formulations including: capsules; chewable tablets; and liquid products. The amphetamines and methylphenidate have been involved in several drug–drug interactions. Amphetamine-induced psychosis is usually associated with the continuous use of amphetamines over several weeks or months. Amphetamine use, in general, and methamphetamine use, in particular, have long been associated with cardiotoxicity, including sudden death, which may occur as a direct result of the mechanism of action of the amphetamines.
