9.4.3.2 Peripheral nervous system
No relevant data
9.4.3.3 Autonomic nervous system
Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic
receptors produces mydriasis, increased
metabolic rate, diaphoresis, increased
sphincter tone, peripheral vasoconstriction
and decreased gastrointestinal motility.
Stimulation of ß-adrenergic receptors
produces increased heart rate and
contractility, increased automaticity and
dilatation of bronchioles.
9.4.3.4 Skeletal and smooth muscle
Myalgia, muscle tenderness, muscle
contractions, and rhabdomyolysis, leading to
fever, circulatory collapse, and
myoglobinuric renal failure, can occur with
amphetamines (Kendrick et al., 1977).
9.4.4 Gastrointestinal
Most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Anorexia may be
severe. Epigastric pain and haematemesis have been
described after intravenous amphetamine use. A case of
ischaemic colitis with normal mesenteric arteriography
in a patient taking dexamphetamine has been described
(Beyer et al., 1991).
9.4.5 Hepatic
Hepatitis and fatal acute hepatic necrosis have
been described (Kalant & Kalant, 1975).
9.4.6 Urinary
9.4.6.1 Renal
Renal failure, secondary to dehydration
or rhabdomyolysis may be observed.
9.4.6.2 Other
Increased bladder sphincter tone may
cause dysuria, hesitancy and acute urinary
retention. This effect may be a direct result
of peripheral alpha-agonist activity.
Spontaneous rupture of the bladder has been
described in a young woman who took alcohol
and an amphetamine-containing diet tablet
(Schwartz, 1981).
