Synthetic Psychoactive Drugs Commonly Called...

Amphetamines, a group of synthetic psychoactive drugs commonly called psychostimulants or central nervous system stimulants, were first synthesized by L. Edeleano, a German chemist in 1887 (Amphetamine). This group of drugs includes amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine. The racemic ÃŽ ±-methylphenethylamine, a version of amphetamine, was later discovered in 1910 by Dale and Barger (Heal). This version was synthesized in 1927 by G. A. Alles while trying to find an alternative for ephedrine. In 1935, Benzedrine was released onto the market as a treatment for narcolepsy, mild depression, and a multitude of other disorders. Two years later in 1937, the drug, now known by the generic name of ‘Amphetamine,’ became available for†¦show more content†¦Each airman would simply need the oversight of their commander and flight surgeon, as well has having routine physical examinations, explicit guidance for the circumstances under which the drugs could be us ed, and a signed consent form (Caldwell). In January of 1984 the use of amphetamines and â€Å"go-pills† were turned into Air Fore Regulation 161-33 (Jedick). Amphetamine, also known by the IUPAC name of 1-phenylopropan 2-amine, contains the functional groups methyl (CH3) and amine (NH2). These functional groups cause the drug to release the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotine and norepinephrine from the nerve endings in the brain (Iversen). This happens because of the similar structure to dopamine. Once the neurotransmitters have been released, the amphetamines cause a buildup of them around the synapse and plug the transporter molecules preventing their re-uptake. This causes a flooding of extra neurotransmitters in the brain. Since amphetamines are so similar in structure to dopamine, the drug is able to enter the terminal button through the neural membrane as well as through the dopamine transporters. The amphetamine molecules then trick the mind into believing that it is dopamine being taken up. Once in the presynaptic neuron, the amphetamines, disguised as dopamine, push the extra dopamine into the synaptic gap, and the transporte rs are forced to work in reverse, producing even