Amphetamine

24

 June 2023

Amphetamine: Historical Perspectives, Use Cases, and Implications on Bio-Rejuvenation

Introduction

Amphetamine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, has been integral to medical and non-medical environments for more than a century. From its discovery, therapeutic application, misuse, and legality, the drug’s history is intertwined with changing social, medical, and legal contexts. This review explores the origins, uses, legalities, and potential implications of amphetamine for bio-rejuvenation.

Origins and Initial Use

Gordon Alles, an American biochemist, first synthesized amphetamine in 1887, intending to develop a substitute for ephedrine, a bronchodilator used to treat asthma 1. Alles injected himself with the synthesized substance, becoming the first person to experience its effects, including an increased pulse rate, blood pressure, and a sense of well-being. This self-experimentation led to the drug's subsequent development and market launch as Benzedrine by the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline & French in 1934 2.

Historical Medical and Non-Medical Use

In the 1930s and 1940s, amphetamines were marketed as a cure-all for conditions such as depression, obesity, narcolepsy, and even nasal congestion. During World War II, they were widely used by soldiers on all sides for fatigue reduction, increased alertness, and mood elevation 3.

Post-war, amphetamine misuse became increasingly prevalent in society. The 1960s and 70s saw its widespread non-medical use for cognitive and physical performance enhancement and recreational purposes 4. Celebrities, like famed writer Jack Kerouac and singer Elvis Presley, reportedly used amphetamines 5.

Benefits and Harms

Amphetamines, when used medically, can offer significant benefits. The FDA currently approves them for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy 6.

However, the misuse of amphetamines carries considerable risks, including addiction, cardiovascular issues, and mental health disorders 7. Long-term use can lead to malnutrition and its consequences due to reduced appetite, often seen in chronic users.

Legality

The legality of amphetamine use varies globally. In the United States, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II controlled substances 8, implying a high potential for abuse but also acknowledging their accepted medical use. In many other countries, amphetamine use, possession, and distribution are heavily regulated.

Amphetamine and Bio-Rejuvenation

Bio-rejuvenation, an exciting field in regenerative medicine, aims to restore youthful physiology and extend healthy lifespan. Emerging research suggests a potential role for amphetamines in bio-rejuvenation, albeit controversial and indirect. Some studies have indicated that low, controlled doses of amphetamines might enhance cognitive function in the elderly or those with cognitive decline 9. However, this line of research is still in its infancy, requiring more in-depth investigation to delineate potential benefits from harms.

Conclusion

Amphetamines carry a rich history, marked by medical applications and potential misuse. Understanding their benefits and harms is crucial, given their prevalence and ongoing research into novel applications like bio-rejuvenation. Future research must balance the potential benefits of cognitive enhancement against the substantial risks, especially in populations like the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these compounds' adverse effects.

References:

1. Rasmussen N. "Medical science and the military: the Allies' use of amphetamine during World War II". Journal of Interdisciplinary History. 2011;42(2): 205-233.
2. Greenslade R., Drug legislation and the creation of the random breath test in Victoria, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 1997; 16(3): 283-294.
3. Rasmussen N. "Making the first anti-depressant: amphetamine in American medicine, 1929–1950". Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences. 2006;61(3): 288-323.
4. Miller G. "Wired: The Short Life & Fast Times of John Belushi". Simon and Schuster. 2012.
5. Jones, L. "Presley's pharmacist dies". Commercial Appeal. 2006.
6. FDA. "FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about serious heart problems with high doses of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse)". FDA. 2015.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Prescription Stimulants". NIDA. 2018.
8. DEA. "Drug Scheduling". DEA. Undated.
9. Ilieva I., Boland J., Farah M.J. "Objective and subjective cognitive enhancing effects of mixed amphetamine salts in healthy people". Neuropharmacology. 2013;64: 496-505.