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  • The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants
    Publication . Pires, Bruno; Rosendo, Luana M.; Brinca, Ana Teresa; Simão, Ana Y.; Barroso, Mário; Rosado, Tiago; Gallardo, Eugenia
    This review delves into the therapeutic applications of amphetamine-type stimulants such as lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), dextroamphetamine, and phentermine. These compounds have been investigated for their potential in treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate has shown promise in effectively treating ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. Additionally, it has been explored as a potential treatment for drug dependency and withdrawal, demonstrating encouraging results. Mixed amphetamine salts have also exhibited efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. Future research should explore their potential use in treating bipolar disorder and cocaine dependence, considering the associated risks and benefits. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has emerged as an innovative approach to treating PTSD, leading to sustained reductions in symptoms and even promoting post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, it has shown promise in managing anxiety related to life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine have demonstrated efficacy in treating cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. However, careful consideration and monitoring by medical professionals are essential due to the potential risks and benefits associated with them. In conclusion, amphetamine-type stimulants present a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in various psychiatric conditions. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their mechanisms of action, dosage requirements, and long-term effects in different patient populations.
  • Evaluation of hair hydrolysis and MEPS columns for the detection of amphetamines derivatives in hair
    Publication . Pires, Bruno; Simão, Ana Y.; Rosado, Tiago; Gallardo, Eugenia; Barroso, Mário
    Introduction: Different extraction and cleanup procedures have been used to identify amphetamines in hair samples. The microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), a miniaturized approach of the classic solid-phase extraction (SPE), has only been used so far to determine the presence of amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (MAMP) in hair. The aim of this work was to evaluate different hair sample extraction conditions, namely hydrolysis, to maximize the detection of AMP, MAMP, MDA, MDMA, MDE, and MBDB in combination with MEPS and GC-MS. Methodology: Pulverized authentic hair (50mg) was incubated with 500μL of NaOH 1M at 80ºC for 1H, 60ºC overnight and 45ºC overnight1. After incubation, the extracts were neutralized with 50μL of 10M HCl and subsequently centrifuged. The supernatant was tested with several conditions to access the most suitable when paired with MEPS clean-up. The studied conditions were as follows: the addition of 500μL of H2O; supernatant filtration followed by addition of H2O; and precipitation with cold ACN followed by centrifugation. After clean-up, 30μL of MBTFA were added for evaporation under nitrogen gas. After being fully dried, 50μL of MBTFA was added and derivatization was done with a microwave oven. Finally, the extract was injected into a GC-MS and analysed. Results: Results obtained from these tests indicated that the best hydrolysis for this purpose was obtained with 500μL NaOH 1M at 45ºC overnight, with the addition of H2O before MEPS clean-up. The clean-up procedure was previously optimized by design of experiments (not being the scope of this study). Furthermore, M1 and C18 MEPS sorbents were tested to check which one would provide cleaner extracts and greater analyte signals. A concentration of 2.00 ng/mg of AMP, MAMP, MDA, MDMA, MDE, and MBDB was used for this test. Discussion: Considering the results, both columns presented similar recoveries for each amphetamine, when using equal hydrolysis and MEPS conditions.