Therapeutic effects of amphetamine
Amphetamine-like drugs are sometimes used in the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder with episodes of uncontrollable sleepiness during waking hours. The increased stimulation of the CNS by amphetamine enables such people to remain awake. Paradoxically, amphetamine-like drugs can help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a behavioural disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The benefit derived by affected children is unclear, but they show an improved ability to concentrate and are less distracted and impulsive.
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References
Dopamine. In: Neurotransmitters and drugs, 3rd edition. Kruk ZL and Pycock CJ. London, England: Chapman and Hall, 1993:87–115.