Amphetamine

Amphetamines represent a large family of strong stimulants of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The most well known examples are methamphetamine, amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, also known as ecstasy), although there are several others. They are all substituted phenethylalkylamines related to the naturally occurring ephedrine, cathinone (active ingredient in khat), and mescaline (active ingredient in peyote cactus). They act as strong stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS) and many also stimulate the peripheral nervous system as well as increase heart rate and cardiac output. Although there are some minor legal therapeutic uses, they are predominately a drug of abuse administered orally, intravenously, or by smoking. Chronic use can lead to violence and aggressive behavior and in more extreme situations paranoid psychotic behavior.