Milly Gaines
Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up functions in the brain and body. They are highly addictive and can be swallowed, smoked, snorted, or injected. The side effects of amphetamine use include decreased appetite, increased energy, and weight loss. Due to these effects, amphetamines have been used in prescription diet pills and weight-loss supplements. However, amphetamine use also has detrimental side effects, including increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, as well as hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and in certain instances, acute myocardial infarction. While some amphetamine-containing diet pills were previously approved by the FDA and marketed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as Obetrol, they have since been withdrawn from the market due to reports of increased cardiovascular events. Today, amphetamines are primarily used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are amphetamines present in diet pills? | Yes, amphetamines have been present in prescription diet pills. |
| Are amphetamines addictive? | Yes, amphetamines are highly addictive. |
| What are the side effects of amphetamines? | Amphetamines can cause tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, hallucinations, and intense paranoia. |
| Have amphetamines been used historically for weight loss? | Yes, there was an explosion of amphetamine consumption for weight loss during the 1940s through the 1960s. |
| Are amphetamines still used in diet pills? | The FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol, an amphetamine-based diet pill, in 1973. However, there may be unregulated weight loss supplements on the market that contain amphetamines or amphetamine-like substances. |
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What You'll Learn
Amphetamine-containing diet pills can cause acute myocardial infarction
Amphetamines are well-known appetite suppressants that cause weight loss. They are commonly used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. However, amphetamines also have several detrimental side effects, including hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and, in certain instances, acute myocardial infarction.
Amphetamine use can lead to an increase in circulation of catecholamines, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in tachycardia and hypertension. These immediate cardiovascular effects can further lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, enhancement of coronary vascular tone, increased platelet aggregation, and promotion of plaque rupture. The combination of these factors can ultimately result in acute myocardial infarction.
The mechanism of myocardial injury due to amphetamine use is believed to be acute coronary vasospasm, followed by decreased perfusion and the development of acute myocardial infarction. While myocardial infarction after amphetamine use is rarely reported, it is surprising given the frequency of amphetamine use. The pathophysiology of myocardial infarction following amphetamine use is not yet fully understood, but it may be related to increased myocardial oxygen demand induced by catecholamines.
In one case, a 35-year-old female with no prior history of coronary artery disease or significant family history presented with sudden onset of exertional chest discomfort. She was undergoing a weight loss regimen that included daily exercise and a dietary supplement. The patient was found to be in ventricular fibrillation-cardiac arrest (V-fib) upon arrival at the emergency department and subsequently developed PEA-arrest. This case illustrates the potential life-threatening consequences of amphetamine-containing dietary supplements, especially when combined with an exercise regimen.
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Amphetamines are addictive stimulants
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up the central nervous system. They are often prescribed to treat several conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, and obesity. They can also be used to suppress appetite and cause weight loss. While amphetamines have legitimate medical uses, they are also commonly abused due to their ability to induce a "'high" feeling and decrease appetite.
Amphetamines are highly addictive stimulants, and their misuse can lead to substance use disorder and addiction. Addiction occurs when an individual becomes dependent on the drug, experiencing cravings and compulsive use. Withdrawal from amphetamines can result in severe symptoms, including fatigue, restless sleep, irritability, intense hunger, depression, suicidal behaviour, and fits of violence. Regular use of amphetamines can also lead to amphetamine psychosis, characterised by hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and violent behaviour.
The risk of addiction to amphetamines is generally low when taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, when used without a prescription to get high or improve performance, the risk of addiction increases significantly. Additionally, the non-medical use of amphetamines can lead to tolerance, where higher doses of the drug are required to achieve the desired effects.
Amphetamine use is associated with various detrimental side effects, including hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and, in certain cases, acute myocardial infarction. These side effects are particularly dangerous when coupled with increased physical activity and exercise regimens aimed at weight loss. As a result, clinicians should be vigilant about the potential abuse of amphetamines among patients presenting with cardiovascular symptoms.
While amphetamines can be beneficial in treating specific medical conditions, their addictive nature and potential for misuse underscore the importance of careful prescription and monitoring by healthcare professionals. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid non-medical use to mitigate the risk of addiction and adverse health consequences.
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Amphetamines suppress appetite
Amphetamines are stimulants that increase energy and decrease appetite. They have been used to facilitate weight loss and were introduced as appetite suppressants in the 1950s. Amphetamines were combined with other drugs, such as Phentermine and Fenfluramine, in the 1990s to create medications that were approved and widely used for weight reduction.
The use of amphetamines as an appetite suppressant was discontinued and the drugs were withdrawn from the market in 1997 due to reports of detrimental side effects, including increased cardiovascular events. The immediate cardiovascular effects of amphetamine use include tachycardia and hypertension, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and acute myocardial infarction. Amphetamine use is also strongly associated with coronary artery disease.
Despite the discontinuation of amphetamines as a weight-loss treatment, there has been a substantial increase in their abuse due to the desirable side effect of decreased appetite and weight loss. This has led to the inclusion of amphetamines or amphetamine-like substances in dietary supplements marketed for weight loss. The popularity of these products among individuals seeking weight-loss aids means that a portion of the population may be unknowingly exposed to unregulated levels of amphetamines, putting them at risk for the associated side effects.
The specific mechanisms responsible for amphetamine's ability to suppress appetite and inhibit food intake are not fully understood. Research suggests that amphetamine's effects on feeding are primarily due to its increase in extracellular dopamine levels. However, the focus has primarily been on studying feeding under homeostatic conditions, and it is unknown if amphetamine also affects hedonic, reward-related feeding. There are also significant sex differences in the regulation of feeding, metabolism, and body weight, as well as in the responses to abused drugs such as amphetamines.
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Obetrol, an amphetamine-based weight loss drug
Obetrol was a popular diet pill in America in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a combination of several amphetamine salts, including methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine, indicated for the treatment of exogenous obesity. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 19, 1960, and was marketed in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. Obetrol was also available under the brand name Oby-Rex when sold directly to physicians.
The popularity of Obetrol and other amphetamine-based weight loss drugs helped to highlight the addictive nature and negative health effects of amphetamines, such as psychosis, hallucinations, and death. In addition, the widespread abuse of amphetamines led the FDA to propose a crackdown on their misuse as pep pills, urging a ban on their use as dieting aids in 1979.
In 1970, the FDA issued an order requiring new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products. This led to the reformulation of Obetrol to exclude methamphetamine salts, which was then rebranded and sold as Adderall. The original formulation of Obetrol was withdrawn from the market by the FDA in September 1973 due to concerns about the research submitted in support of the drug.
Today, there is no drug commercially marketed as Obetrol. The drug was famously abused by artist Andy Warhol, who received a prescription for it in 1963. Obetrol was also featured in David Foster Wallace's novel "The Pale King," where it was the drug of choice for the character Chris Fogle.
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Amphetamine abuse and its side effects
Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, and narcolepsy. They can be consumed orally, snorted after being crushed up, or diluted and injected intravenously. The stimulating effects of amphetamines on the brain make them effective in treating these conditions. However, they are also frequently abused for their euphoric effects, decreased appetite, and weight loss properties, leading to recreational and non-medical use.
Amphetamine abuse can have detrimental side effects, including hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and, in certain instances, acute myocardial infarction. The immediate cardiovascular effects of amphetamine use include increased heart rate and blood pressure, caused by increased circulation of catecholamines. These effects can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, enhanced coronary vascular tone, increased platelet aggregation, and subsequent plaque rupture, potentially resulting in acute myocardial infarction.
Amphetamine abuse can also impact an individual's mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. Psychological signs of abuse may include changes in social circles, withdrawal from family and friends, neglect of responsibilities, and engagement in risky behaviours to obtain or use amphetamines. Additionally, amphetamine abuse can result in behavioural changes such as increased talkativeness, extreme anxiety or depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and extended periods of sleep (24 to 48 hours).
Amphetamine addiction develops as the brain quickly builds a tolerance to the drug, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can result in a cycle of bingeing, where individuals take large doses of amphetamines over a brief period. Amphetamine toxicity occurs when the drug accumulates in the body to dangerous levels, requiring immediate medical attention.
It is important to seek professional help if amphetamine abuse or addiction is suspected, as prolonged use can increase the likelihood of psychological and health problems, including permanent deterioration of brain function.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, amphetamines have been found in prescription diet pills and weight loss supplements.
Amphetamines are highly addictive stimulants that speed up functions in the brain and body. Side effects include increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, as well as sweating, shaking, headaches, sleeplessness, blurred vision, hallucinations, and paranoia with prolonged use.
Amphetamine use is strongly associated with coronary artery disease and can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, hypertension, and acute myocardial infarction. Due to these serious side effects, amphetamine-based weight loss drugs have been withdrawn from the market.
Obetrol, a combination of amphetamine and methamphetamine salts, was a popular diet pill in America in the 1950s and 1960s. Adderall, which was originally marketed for weight loss under the name Obetrol, is another example.
No, currently, there are no amphetamine-based weight loss drugs commercially marketed. Amphetamine-based products have been withdrawn due to safety concerns and a lack of efficacy data.
