Amphetamine(HARMFUL)
Amphetamine is a potent stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine signaling. Prescription forms are highly effective, evidence-based treatments for ADHD and narcolepsy, improving attention and impulse control. Risks include dependence and misuse, cardiovascular strain, insomnia, appetite suppression, and, at high doses, psychosis; non-prescribed "study drug" use carries these risks without medical oversight.
Too little may be associated with
No requirement; therapeutic only when prescribed.
Too much may be associated with
Addiction, cardiovascular and psychiatric harm.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Neurotransmitters
Hormones
Related
- Arousal (↑)
- Attention (↑)
- Executive Function (↑)
- Motivation (↑)
- Reward Processing (↑)
- Wakefulness (↑)
- Cocaine(HARMFUL)
- Impulse Control (↕)
- Methylphenidate
- Nicotine(HARMFUL)
- Self-Control (↕)
- Appetite Regulation (↓)
- Hunger Regulation (↓)
Books (1)
Research (18)
- Amphetamine Toxicity Vasan et al. (2026) PubMed ↗
- Intranasal delivery of dodecyl creatine ester alleviates motor deficits and increases dopamine levels in a 6-OHDA rat model of parkinsonism Disdier et al. (2025) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Adolescent stress differentially modifies dopamine and norepinephrine release in the medial prefrontal cortex of adult rats Carboni et al. (2024) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Neurochemistry of the mammillary body Żakowski et al. (2023) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Pharmacology of Drugs Used as Stimulants Docherty et al. (2021) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Amphetamine-induced striatal dopamine release in schizotypal personality disorder Xu et al. (2020) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities Faraone (2018) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- The potential for misuse and abuse of medications in ADHD: a review Clemow et al. (2014) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Sharma et al. (2014) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: an update Pliszka et al. (2009) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- A closer look at amphetamine-induced reverse transport and trafficking of the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters Robertson et al. (2009) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Norepinephrine and stimulant addiction Sofuoglu et al. (2009) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Lisdexamfetamine Blick et al. (2007) PubMed ↗
- [Dopamine: not just a neurotransmitter] Drozak et al. (2005) PubMed ↗
- Human pharmacology of MDMA: pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and disposition de et al. (2004) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
Links
Recovery resources
Help for amphetamine use and recovery. Not an endorsement or medical advice — see all recovery resources.
SAMHSA National Helpline (US)
A free, confidential, 24/7 US treatment-referral and information line for individuals and families facing substance use or mental health disorders.
Co-Anon Family Groups
Support for the families and friends of someone with a cocaine or other drug problem.
Families Anonymous (FA)
A 12-step fellowship for the relatives and friends of people affected by drug abuse or related behavioral problems.
Nar-Anon Family Groups
A 12-step program for the families and friends of people addicted to drugs.
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)
A 12-step fellowship for people managing both a substance addiction and a co-occurring mental illness.
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
A 12-step fellowship for people who want to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)
A 12-step fellowship for people recovering from addiction to crystal meth and other stimulants.
- Methamphetamine Anonymous
A 12-step fellowship supporting recovery from methamphetamine addiction.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
A global 12-step fellowship for people recovering from addiction to any drug.
- Pills Anonymous (PA)
A 12-step fellowship for people recovering from addiction to prescription and other pills.
SMART Recovery
A secular, science-based recovery program using cognitive-behavioral tools for any addictive behavior.
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