The mechanism of action of amphetamine (low dose)

Low-dose amphetamine can modify the action of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. Amphetamine increases the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic cleft in 3 ways: (1) It can bind to the pre-synaptic membrane of dopaminergic neurones and induce the release of dopamine from the nerve terminal; (2) amphetamine can interact with dopamine containing synaptic vesicles, releasing free dopamine into the nerve terminal; and (3) amphetamine can bind to the dopamine re-uptake transporter, causing it to act in reverse and transport free dopamine out of the nerve terminal. Amphetamine can also cause an increased release of noradrenaline into the synaptic cleft.

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References

Chronic amphetamine use and abuse. The American Academy of Neuropsychopharmacology. http://www.acnp.org/g4/GN401000166/CH162.htm.Accessed on 30 January 2003.

Drugs of abuse. In Essential psychopharmacology – neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Stahl S. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. 1996:332–366.