PS268 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Sympathomimetic Drug, Ephedra, Bronchus
Document Summary
Amphetamines (ephedrine from ma huang plant | schedule i drug) Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that elevates blood pressure and dilates bronchial passages in asthmatics. Amphetamine is similar chemical synthesized in 1920s as replacement for ephedrine (benzedrine inhaler) Also used as treatment for narcolepsy, reducing activity in hyperactive children, appetite- depressant, bennies . Was used during ww2 to keep soldiers awake but caused acute psychotic reactions. Use in north america peaked b/w 1950s-70s through legal oral preparation (truck drivers, athletes, students) Could get speedball effects by injecting amphetamine with heroin, and amphetamines became known as speed. Methamphetamine sometimes used to stimulate respiration in patients suffering from sleeping pill overdose. Amphetamine first associated with urban hippies and now with biker gangs, rural canadians, and urban gays. Average price -150/gram and canada is important meth source country. Us and ca governments limited access to precursor chemicals like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.
