Difference Between Amphetamine and Methylphenidate

Amphetamine vs Methylphenidate

Amphetamine is a drug that belongs to the family of phenethylamine that will induce a sense of wakefulness and alertness to the human body. The Methylphenidate, on the other hand, belongs to the class of compounds that is better known as piperidine. Both drugs act as a stimulant to the nervous system. The amphetamines act by increasing certain amounts of chemicals in the body that increase the heart rate and the blood pressure to control one’s actions.  The methylphenidate will work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brains of children, which will create a feeling and emotion of pleasure. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often said to be the cause why these drugs are taken.  However, if they are taken in excess that is more than above the usual prescription of the physician, it might lead to habitual intakes or perhaps addiction.

When it comes to being prescribed legally, the methylphenidate is the type of drugs that will eventually work on the creation of dopamine in the human system. This effect is considered as one of the vital reasons why doctors and physicians prescribed them more to ADHD patients.  The amphetamine, on the other hand, has this effect of increasing the cardiac output and the blood pressure that will make it a dangerous drug to take in cases when the patient has been diagnosed with hypertension.  There are certain studies, which have been conducted, wherein the amphetamine helps in the production of the dopamine in the body.  Regardless of this, the methylphenidate is still the more popular of the two when it comes to the prescription.

When it comes to marketing and street selling, the amphetamine drugs are better sold as they are known for increasing performance level when entertaining.  In fact, in some countries the drugs have been prohibited to be sold in the market without a prescription as they can become quite addictive as performance enhancers.  Methylphenidate is more widely accepted in the legal pharmaceutical trade.  When it comes to the intake of the drugs, it is essential that you have not taken any MAO Inhibitors before taking the methylphenidate. This is because it can lead to potential deadly risks that can endanger your life.  The same goes for the amphetamine.  However, one difference is that people with congenital heart diseases should take extra care when taking the methylphenidate as it can lead to sudden death.  These drugs work potentially well in the treatment of psychiatric diseases.  However, they should be properly prescribed by a licensed physician.

Summary:
1. Amphetamine belongs to the phenythylamine group of compounds while the methylphenidate belongs to the group of compounds known as piperidine.
2. Methylphenidate is more prescribed for increasing dopamine while amphetamine is lesser prescribed as it increases heart rate and blood pressure more.
3. Amphetamine is more prone to street selling and is more addictive because of its action of being a performance enhancer unlike the methylphenidate which works mostly on ADHD conditions.