special subjects
Amphetamines
Introduction
Amphetamines are sympathomimetic drugs with central nervous system stimulant and euphoriant properties whose toxic adverse effects include delirium, hypertension, seizures, and hyperthermia (which can cause rhabdomyolysis and renal failure). Toxicity is managed with supportive care, including IV benzodiazepines (for agitation, hypertension, and seizures) and cooling techniques (for hyperthermia). There is no stereotypical withdrawal syndrome. , Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (Ecstasy, MDMA), methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), and numerous others. Some amphetamines, includingdextroamphetamine,methamphetamine, and the relatedmethylphenidate, are widely used medically to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, and narcolepsy, thus creating a supply subject to diversion for illicit use.Methamphetamineis easily manufactured illicitly. 