Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Uses of Psychostimulants

Kevin F Foley

doi:10.29074/ascls.18.2.107

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.

Kevin F Foley, PhD MT(ASCP)⇑
1. is with the Department of Biomedical Technologies, University of Vermont, Burlington VT

Address for correspondence: Kevin F Foley PhD MT (ASCP), Assistant Professor, University of Vermont, Department of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, 302 Rowell Building, 106 Carrigan Drive, Burlington VT 05405. (802) 656-2506. kfoley{at}uvm.edu.

Extract

The name stimulant can be given to any drug that increases the rate of a physiologic function. The term psychostimulant is more specific, referring to compounds that have direct neurological effects, typically: heightened alertness, increased energy, appetite suppression, and sometimes euphoria. Use of psychostimulants is widespread and occurs in both recreational and clinical settings. Therapeutic monitoring and screening for use and abuse of these drugs is common in clinical laboratories. Understanding the physiological effects and uses of stimulants will be of value to clinical and forensic laboratory scientists.

EXAMPLES OF PSYCHOSTIMULANTS Table 1 lists several psychostimulants that are commonly prescribed, have widespread illicit use, or are well-known by the general public. Table 1 also identifies the control schedule of each compound. Many psychostimulants are listed as controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Schedules I through IV are assigned to compounds based on their abuse potential and their medical utility. Schedules II through V contain drugs which have known medical uses whereas Schedule I compounds have no current, sanctioned medical use.

THERAPEUTIC USES OF PSYCHOSTIMULANTS Amphetamine has long been known to be a mental stimulant. Because of its psychostimulant properties, amphetamine has been used successfully by U.S. fighter pilots because it enhances cockpit performance by reducing the effects of fatigue.¹ Since amphetamine heightens alertness it has found use in the treatment of narcolepsy and in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.² The drug Adderall® for example, is used widely in…

ABBREVIATIONS: ADHD = attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder; CNS = central nervous system; MDA = 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; MDMA = 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; NC = not controlled; OTC = over the counter.